
As per information provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the what are retained earnings median salary for CPAs stands at about $79,000. Cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, which host many outsourcing hubs, offer higher pay packages. Pay ranges for people with an Enrolled Agent (EA) certification by employer. They handle balancing the budget and must use budgeting and auditing software programs.
Highest paying cities for enrolled agents

Current job postings in Chicago reveal an EA salary range from around $55,000 per year to over 6 figures. What’s more, the median pay for Enrolled Agents in Denver is in line with the U.S. median at over $44,000. Yet, in the mile-high city, over half of the EA salary figures posted are above $112,000 annually. And while they say everything’s bigger in Texas, this statement doesn’t necessarily hold true for Dallas Enrolled Agent salaries. But the average EA salary in Dallas for jobs posted in the area pay between $36,674 and $53,100 annually. According to a recent search on Indeed.com, over half of the Enrolled Agent jobs in Atlanta pay more than 6 figures.

Recently added enrolled agent salaries
- The remote work trend means many professionals are looking for more flexible careers.
- As an EA, you can work in different settings, such as government agencies and accounting firms, or establish your own tax consulting company.
- On the other hand, accounting jobs for enrolled agents at top corporations like Apple, Starbucks, FedEx, and GE typically pay between $60,000 to $80,000 per year.
- They prepare tax reports, ensure the accuracy of the company’s tax documents, and are responsible for handling any issues.
- In many cases, clients call upon the expertise of Enrolled Agents in complex tax situations where audits are likely.
Nevertheless, you can pursue additional credentials, such as CPA licensure for instance. 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. 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. Offer more flexibility and greater access to management, giving individuals a greater say in the perks and fringe benefits available. Once you click “continue,” you will be brought to a third-party website. Please enrolled agent salary be aware, the privacy policy may differ on the third-party website.
Which U.S. City Offers the Highest Salaries for Enrolled Agents in 2025?

Enrolled Agents (EAs) earn an average annual salary of just over $72,000 in the US, with some sources citing earnings as high as $174,000 per year. An EA’s salary is primarily influenced by their level of professional experience, geographic location, and the industry they work in. Becoming an EA is one of the best investments you can make in your career as a tax preparer. The benefits you’ll gain from earning the EA designation will far outweigh the cost of taking the EA exam. 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.

But in the long term, corporate salary caps and geographical constraints often limit CPAs’ salaries. So, an Enrolled Agent in the right region who builds up a great interstate reputation and client base can certainly out-earn CPAs in the same area. Therefore, because the CPA is a state certification, not a federal one, a CPA may want to earn an Enrolled Agent designation as well to expand her credentials and earning potential.
As you’ll see, each employment option for Enrolled Agents has its pros and cons. And, if you decide to work for a non-finance-related company as an Enrolled Agent, you can actually expect to earn a bit more. Typical salaries for accounting agencies were around the $50,000 mark. On the other hand, accounting jobs for enrolled agents at top corporations like Apple, Starbucks, FedEx, and GE typically pay between $60,000 to $80,000 per year. The average enrolled agent salary has risen by $3,188 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average enrolled agent earned $31,983 annually, but today, they earn $35,171 a year.
AI and Digital Taxation Transforming VAT and Corporate Tax Compliance in the GCC

Therefore, the ability to expand your client base beyond state borders Travel Agency Accounting is an advantage enrolled agents have over CPAs. 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. Additionally, the EA credential is more client-focused, with a variety of career paths. Be sure to consider additional factors alongside salary when planning your professional path. Whatever your reason is for pursuing an EA career, you will surely love the pay if you stick around long enough and gain experience. Furthermore, you’ll love the flexibility, stability, and ability to make an impact on the finances of others.