Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. While a degree isn’t required, it can enhance employability and starting salary. In specific states, the salary can be even more favorable due to demand. Find a place you want to live or a firm you want to work for and then use the table below to inform your salary expectations. Big cities have more job opportunities and a larger pool of skilled workers, but they also typically have a higher cost of living, so location isn’t everything.
Enrolled agent salaries at IDEMIA and Acuity Insurance are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. Entry-level positions typically start lower, while those in senior roles enrolled agent salary can expect increased compensation. In addition to the salary benefits, you’ll also enjoy increased representation rights so you can expand your client base and the services you can offer.
Entry-level salaries for EA agents
Plus, the EA designation signals a high level of expertise that will cement your status as a valuable expert on tax topics. Becoming an EA is one of the best investments you can make in your career as a tax preparer. Firms are especially interested in candidates with technology skills that can be applied to growing areas like cloud systems and data analysis.
Tend to offer higher salaries due to cost of living and demand for tax professionals. Geographic location heavily impacts salary. States such as California and New York are known for higher salaries, influenced by the cost of living and demand for skilled tax professionals. This compensation can vary significantly based on location and experience level. The average salary for an Enrolled Agent is approximately $35,171 annually, translating to about $17 per hour.
See what you can earn as an Enrolled Agent
In 2014, the average enrolled agent earned $31,983 annually, but today, they earn $35,171 a year. The lowest average enrolled agent salary states are Virginia, Tennessee, and West Virginia. The average enrolled agent salary in Alaska, Wisconsin, and Washington are the highest in the U.S. CPAs typically work in a more traditional office environment with a predictable salary that increases over time as they gather experience. Senior level internal revenue agents can earn a healthy income in the accounting world.
Although pursuing your CPA may look more profitable at first glance, thanks to the increasing demand for enrolled agents, the EA’s earning potential increases faster than the CPA’s. Mid-level enrolled agents typically earn between $52,000 after 1-2 years of work experience. This article dives deep into the average EA salary, factors influencing earnings, salary by experience, job market trends, and more—helping you make informed decisions about your career. The average enrolled agent salary has risen by $3,188 over the last ten years. In addition, the average enrolled agent salary at companies like Smoker Craft Boats and Independent Health are highly competitive.
What is the Average Annual Salary of Enrolled Agent in The United States?
EAs may be found in an office, in front of the IRS or sitting down with clients. The Enrolled Agent (EA) credential is a nationally recognized certification offered by the IRS for tax professionals. Considering becoming an Enrolled Agent, but curious about the salary prospects? Salaries range from $44,900 to $73,600.The average Enrolled Agent Hourly Wage is $20.00 per hour.
Salary OutlookWhen you look at the figures, the salary for enrolled agents is not going downhill. The job outlook for enrolled agents remains strong. As of 2026, the average annual salary for an enrolled agent in the United States ranges between $52,000 and $103,000, depending on various factors such as location, experience, and specialization.
Average Enrolled Agent Salary
Start studying today with Surgent EA Review — the smartest way to pass the Enrolled Agent exam — start your free trial today. Be sure to consider additional factors alongside salary when planning your professional path. Additionally, the EA credential is more client-focused, with a variety of career paths. They work in accounting firms of all types and sizes, and many EAs start their own businesses.
As their experience increases, these agents have the opportunity to move up the pay scale. In general, CPAs earn more than EAs in all career levels; however, the CPA credential requires significantly more schooling, time and up-front costs than the EA credential. Whatever your reason is for pursuing an EA career, you will surely love the pay if you stick around long enough and gain experience. Ethical StandardsThe high ethical standards of Circular 230 bind enrolled agents to be always true in their dealings. Versatile CareerThere is a wide range of career opportunities for enrolled agents. Some may be looking for a change in their career path while others want to boost their earning potential or learn more about tax law.
However, it is vastly cheaper than that of preparing and sitting for the EA exam, and takes much less time to complete. This is good news because it means you’ve got options when you’re looking for ways to increase your salary! Earning an EA confirms to clients the tax knowledge that you have, and keeps you up to date every year on any changes in taxation. With his help, countless students and professionals have passed certification exams and achieved their dreams.
There is no specific education or work experience requirement, although candidates should have well-established tax knowledge before taking the exam. Enrolled agents, on the other hand, specialize in tax law and are authorized to represent their clients before the IRS. An enrolled agent career is ultimately a wonderful opportunity. Lesser RequirementsCompared to the CPA credential, earning an EA designation is less strenuous. The enrolled agent credential opens doors to diverse career opportunities.
According to the 2026 Robert Half Salary Guide, hiring trends in accounting and finance continue to favor the job candidate. Offer some benefits (e.g., gyms, cafeterias, and daycare) that smaller firms can’t reasonably fit into their budgets. The larger the company, the higher the pay for a given role, and the better defined your career path will be. They must stay up to date on relevant tax laws and often communicate across departments to ensure the entire firm is complying with accounting procedures. While this position is commonly filled by a CPA, the Enrolled Agent designation is a great way to secure your tax specialization. This position does not exclusively involve taxes, but having experience with tax planning can be beneficial to many bookkeepers.
On-site daycare could save thousands of dollars and dozens of hours in commuting each year. It’s really a personal choice what size company you want to work for, but you should consider benefits that can affect your quality of life. If your goal is to work at one of the Big 4 accounting firms, the Enrolled Agent designation is one way to stand out from other applicants.
The figures above are based on data from December 2024, but it’s a no-brainer that the figures will go up this year, in 2026, and beyond. As the demand for their expert services grows, you can expect the salary to grow as well. This is particularly true if they work in a reputable accounting firm or the private sector.
- Lesser RequirementsCompared to the CPA credential, earning an EA designation is less strenuous.
- According to Payscale.com, entry-level EAs generally begin with a salary of about $52,000 per year.
- They work in accounting firms of all types and sizes, and many EAs start their own businesses.
- The figures above are based on data from December 2024, but it’s a no-brainer that the figures will go up this year, in 2026, and beyond.
- Some may be looking for a change in their career path while others want to boost their earning potential or learn more about tax law.
- Mid-Level EAsEnrolled agents with a few years of experience will see a jump in their pay.
The responsibilities for a mid-level position exceed that of an entry-level agent, which explains the difference in pay. Given the difference in their job descriptions, it’s not surprising that their salaries differ as well. First, it is important to understand the difference between an enrolled agent and a CPA.
- EAs are generally tax preparers, but they can also wear an advisory hat by providing tax compliance counseling to clients, or by providing written advice to third parties regarding business transactions.
- Tend to offer higher salaries due to cost of living and demand for tax professionals.
- For each stage of your Enrolled Agent career, you’ll see an average salary increase of 8.38%.
- This in turn makes you a more popular choice compared to your peers when it comes to a potential client looking for a tax professional.
- Plus, the EA designation signals a high level of expertise that will cement your status as a valuable expert on tax topics.
- This is a great time to go into accounting, and becoming an Enrolled Agent will help you land an even bigger starting salary than you could without it.
For example, EAs based in the state of California earn up to 8% more on average than those who work in other states. Unlike CPAs, enrolled agents become nationally certified, so they can practice in any state with the same certification. Enrolled agents are specialized tax practitioners who are certified to represent taxpayers in dealings with the IRS. If you enjoy crunching numbers or preparing your own income taxes, then you should consider a career as an enrolled agent (EA).
Below, you’ll find Zip Recruiter’s average Enrolled Agent salaries. Jobs paying $58,500 or less are in the 25th percentile range, while jobs paying more than $83,000 are in 75th percentile. As of October 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recorded the national median salary for CPAs in the U.S. as $73,560. According to ZipRecruiter.com, the average annual salary for an Enrolled Agent as of December 2021 was $59,020. EAs can also represent any tax matter, as well as appeal to any office of the IRS.
Enrolled agents who have been working for some time go on to launch their own tax practices, providing extra flexibility. Competitive IncomeIn the US, an EA earns an average of $71,000 annually. Senior-Level EAsEnrolled agents with five or more years of experience could have an annual income of $75,000 to $100,000 and even more. Mid-level agents can expect their salaries to be between $50,000 and $70,000 annually. Entry-Level EAsAn entry-level position is the starting point for an EA career after passing the exam.
EAs who focus on complex areas such as international taxation, business structuring, or IRS audit representation are often paid more than general tax preparers. EAs with extensive tax code knowledge and client representation experience command premium salaries. If you’re considering a career as an Enrolled Agent (EA) or are already on this path, understanding the current salary trends in 2026 is essential.
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