Career comparison
Bookkeeper vs. Tax Preparer
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Tax preparers earn more at the median ($54,920 vs. $50,670), while tax preparers usually get to work faster (1–3 months of tax training of training). Bookkeepers record transactions, reconcile accounts and keep a business’s books accurate. Tax preparers prepare income tax returns and help clients understand what they owe or get back.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Bookkeeper | Tax Preparer | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $50,670 ($24.36/hr) | $54,920 ($26.40/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $36,000 – $74,550 | $33,760 – $99,270 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -5.6% (a projected decline) | +4.7% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 144,100 | 9,400 |
| Typical entry education | Some college, no degree | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 3–12 months | 1–3 months of tax training |
| Key credential | Certified Bookkeeper (AIPB) | IRS PTIN |
| Work setting | Bookkeepers work for small businesses, accounting firms, nonprofits and larger companies, or for themselves serving multiple clients. | Tax preparers work in tax offices, accounting firms, retail kiosks and from home. |
What each job does
Bookkeeper
- Record transactions in accounting software
- Process accounts payable and receivable
- Reconcile bank and credit card accounts
- Prepare payroll data and track payroll liabilities
- Maintain the general ledger and chart of accounts
Tax Preparer
- Interview clients about income and life changes
- Gather and review tax documents
- Prepare returns in tax software
- Identify deductions and credits
- Check returns for accuracy
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working with information, desk work, indoor work, and working independently. Both are part of the business & office field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose bookkeeper if…
- I like numbers and keeping things accurate
- I’m comfortable with spreadsheets and software
- I prefer structured, detail-oriented work
Choose tax preparer if…
- I like working with numbers and rules
- I’m detail-oriented
- I enjoy helping people with money questions
Still torn? Take the Bookkeeper fit quiz and the Tax Preparer fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, bookkeeper or tax preparer?
Tax Preparers earn more at the median: $54,920 versus $50,670 for bookkeepers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Tax Preparers typically train faster (1–3 months of tax training) than bookkeepers (3–12 months).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects tax preparers to grow +4.7% from 2025–35, compared with -5.6% for bookkeepers.