Career comparison
Accountant vs. Tax Examiner
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Accountants earn more at the median ($83,680 vs. $62,370), while accountants usually get to work faster (4+ years of training). Accountants prepare and examine financial records, taxes and reports that guide business decisions. Tax examiners review tax returns and collect taxes for federal, state and local governments.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Accountant | Tax Examiner | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $83,680 ($40.23/hr) | $62,370 ($29.98/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $56,020 – $144,090 | $42,000 – $114,550 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +5.0% (faster than average) | -1.0% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 115,300 | 4,400 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree | Bachelor's degree |
| Training time | 4+ years | 4 years + agency training |
| Key credential | CPA | Certified Public Accountant (CPA) |
| Work setting | Accountants work in public accounting firms, corporations, government agencies, nonprofits and their own practices. | Tax examiners work in government offices, with field visits for some auditors and collectors.. |
What each job does
Accountant
- Prepare and analyze financial statements
- Record journal entries and reconcile accounts
- Prepare tax returns and tax planning
- Audit financial records and test internal controls
- Prepare budgets, forecasts and variance analyses
Tax Examiner
- Review tax returns for accuracy
- Audit individuals and businesses
- Contact taxpayers about issues
- Calculate taxes owed
- Set up payment plans
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working with information, desk work, working independently, and steady routines. They sit in different fields, business & office and community, social & government services, but share transferable skills such as analytical thinking and integrity.
Which should you choose?
Choose accountant if…
- I enjoy working with numbers and finding answers in data
- I’m detail-oriented and careful
- I value a stable, respected profession
Choose tax examiner if…
- I’m good with numbers
- I like rules and details
- I want a stable government job
Still torn? Take the Accountant fit quiz and the Tax Examiner fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, accountant or tax examiner?
Accountants earn more at the median: $83,680 versus $62,370 for tax examiners, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Accountants typically train faster (4+ years) than tax examiners (4 years + agency training).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects accountants to grow +5.0% from 2025–35, compared with -1.0% for tax examiners.