CareerFacts

All careers › Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Tax collector: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 28, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$62,370median pay per year, or $29.98 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $42,000lowest 10% earn less
  2. $49,45025th percentile
  3. $62,370median
  4. $83,39075th percentile
  5. $114,550top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[3]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[4]

The median tax examiner, collector or revenue agent earned $62,370 a year in May 2025[1]. Employment is projected to dip 1% from 2025 to 2035[2].

Job growth, 2025–35
-1%[2]
Openings per year
4,400[5]
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree[6]

How much do tax collectors make?

The official BLS category is Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents. In May 2025, the median wage was $62,370 a year, or $29.98 an hour[1]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less[1]. The average (mean) was $70,520 a year, or $33.91 an hour[7].

For comparison, the median for all occupations in the US was $50,980 a year[4].

Here is how annual pay spread across the occupation[3]:

Point in the range Annual wage Source
10th percentile[3] $42,000
25th percentile[3] $49,450
Median[1] $62,370
75th percentile[3] $83,390
90th percentile[3] $114,550

A percentile is a boundary. For example, the lowest-paid 10% of workers earned less than $42,000[3][8]. BLS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary[8]. By the hour, the 10th percentile was $20.19 and the 90th percentile was $55.07[9].

These figures cover wage and salary workers, both part-time and full-time. They leave out self-employed people and the cost of benefits[10].

Pay by state and city

New Jersey had the highest median wage among the 50 states with published data, at $96,420 a year[11]. Alaska was next at $94,630 and Arizona followed at $92,680[11]. Mississippi had the lowest listed median at $41,860[11].

The most jobs were in California (8,610), Texas (3,980) and Florida (3,950)[12]. New York (3,550) and Pennsylvania (3,540) followed[12].

Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, the highest medians were in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA ($110,780), Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT ($105,480) and Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX ($102,190)[13]. The metro area with the most jobs was Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA, with 3,780 jobs and a median of $67,610[14]. Ogden, UT had 3,240 jobs and a median of $49,440[14].

Show median pay in 50 states
StateMedian per yearJobs
New Jersey[11]$96,4201,430
Alaska$94,63060
Arizona$92,680230
Connecticut$89,140940
Kansas$88,61050
Illinois$80,7201,350
Minnesota$79,0001,150
Ohio$76,240990
Massachusetts$75,5601,260
Nevada$75,500280
California$74,1108,610
Delaware$72,900110
Washington$72,850770
New York$72,6103,550
North Dakota$72,23060
Rhode Island$69,870270
Colorado$69,740620
Hawaii$67,21080
Maryland$66,900560
Iowa$66,860210
Oregon$65,830430
South Dakota$63,790120
Montana$63,610130
Michigan$63,4401,080
Maine$63,290350
North Carolina$61,9501,300
Wyoming$61,78060
Idaho$61,110300
South Carolina$61,110280
Wisconsin$59,990500
Virginia$59,6101,800
Nebraska$59,150180
Vermont$59,010140
New Hampshire$58,610330
Texas$58,2003,980
Alabama$58,1001,300
Kentucky$57,2401,290
Pennsylvania$56,8703,540
Indiana$56,570550
New Mexico$56,260190
Georgia$55,4301,970
Arkansas$55,140440
Oklahoma$52,480240
Tennessee$51,6301,850
West Virginia$50,730290
Missouri$50,2502,280
Louisiana$49,940600
Utah$49,9403,470
Florida$46,7603,950
Mississippi$41,860710

How to become a tax collector

BLS lists a bachelor's degree, no related work experience and moderate-term on-the-job training as the typical path[6]. The Occupational Outlook Handbook says the degree is typically in accounting or a related field, but requirements vary with the position and employer[15][16].

At the Internal Revenue Service, tax examiner and collector candidates may qualify with a bachelor's degree in any field, with specialized experience, or with a mix of both[19]. IRS revenue agents generally need an accounting bachelor's degree, equivalent education and experience, or a CPA certificate[19].

In an O*NET survey of 23 workers, 34% said a bachelor's degree is required, 26% said an associate's degree, 23% said a high school diploma or equivalent and 14% said some college courses[20]. With experience, tax examiners who review individual returns may become revenue agents and handle more complex business returns[21].

What tax collectors do

These workers work out how much tax people or businesses owe, or collect it, under the laws and rules that apply[22]. O*NET lists these tasks[23]:

Workers report job titles such as revenue agent, revenue officer and tax compliance officer[24]. BLS names analytical skills, communication, attention to detail, interpersonal skills and math skills as important qualities[25][26][27][28][29].

Where they work

The main setting is an office. Others spend most of their time on field audits at taxpayers' homes or businesses[30]. The federal government employed 46% of workers in 2025[31]. Most work full time[32].

Job outlook

BLS projects employment to fall 1% from 2025 to 2035, from about 60,100 to 59,500 jobs, a change of -600[2]. Those counts include self-employed workers[2]. All occupations together are projected to grow 3.5% over the same years[33].

Jobs still open up. BLS projects about 4,400 openings a year on average[5]. Openings come from retirements and moves to other occupations as well as new jobs[5]. Each year, 3.8% of workers leave the labor force and 3.6% move to a different occupation[34].

OEWS counted about 56,610 wage and salary jobs in May 2025[35]. This differs from the projection count because the two measures cover different groups[35][2].

Is it a good fit?

The typical path calls for a bachelor's degree, followed by training on the job[6]. Pay is above the all-occupations median, with a wide spread from lowest to highest[1][3][4]. Employment is projected to dip slightly, though about 4,400 openings a year are expected[2][5]. Related jobs such as accountants and auditors and tax preparers list their own median pay and projected growth in O*NET[36].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[36].

Frequently asked questions

How much does a tax collector make an hour?
The median was $29.98 an hour in May 2025, and the average was $33.91[1][7].
What degree do you need to be a tax collector?
BLS lists a bachelor's degree, typically in accounting or a related field, though work experience can replace a degree for some jobs[6][16].
Is tax collector a growing job?
Not much. BLS projects a 1% decline from 2025 to 2035, with about 4,400 openings a year[2][5].
What is the highest paying state for tax collectors?
New Jersey, with a median of $96,420 a year in May 2025[11].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents in the US was $62,370 per year and $29.98 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents is projected to decline 1% from 2025 to 2035, from about 60,100 to 59,500 jobs (a change of -600). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  3. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents: 10th percentile $42,000, 25th percentile $49,450, 75th percentile $83,390, 90th percentile $114,550. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  4. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  5. BLS Employment Projections: about 4,400 openings for Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  6. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents: education needed for entry: Bachelor's degree; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents was $70,520 per year and $33.91 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  8. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents: 10th percentile $20.19, 25th percentile $23.77, 75th percentile $40.09, 90th percentile $55.07. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. Median annual wage for Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents jobs: California 8,610; Texas 3,980; Florida 3,950; New York 3,550; Pennsylvania 3,540. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents (areas with at least 100 jobs): San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $110,780; Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT $105,480; Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX $102,190; San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $99,300; Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $97,680; Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX $96,320; Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY $95,740; Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ $95,060. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents jobs: Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA 3,780 (median $67,610); Ogden, UT 3,240 (median $49,440); New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 2,910 (median $86,340); Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD 2,120 (median $60,550); Kansas City, MO-KS 1,980 (median $50,250); Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA 1,700 (median $56,350). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  16. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  17. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Work Experience in a Related Occupation. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. O*NET 13-2081.00 survey of workers (23 respondents), education level they say is required: Bachelor's Degree 34%, Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree 26%, High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) 23%, Some College Courses 14% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Advancement. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. O*NET description of Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents. O*NET OnLine
  23. O*NET task list for Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents. O*NET OnLine
  24. O*NET 13-2081.00 sample job titles reported by workers: City Tax Auditor, Collections Specialist, Revenue Agent, Revenue Collector, Revenue Officer, Revenue Specialist, Tax Collector, Tax Compliance Officer. O*NET OnLine
  25. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  26. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  27. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  28. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  29. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  30. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  31. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents in 2025: Federal government 46%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  33. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  34. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents: 3.8% of workers leave the labor force each year and 3.6% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  35. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 56,610 people were employed as Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  36. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.