If you are looking for a Tax Collector salary in the USA, the amount you can make depends on the government level, state, local agency, experience, and the exact tax job you are doing. Tax collectors and related tax examiners work with individuals and businesses to determine tax amounts, review accounts, send notices, collect unpaid taxes, and handle tax records. According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the median annual wage for tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents was $62,370 in May 2025, while the middle of the occupation can earn quite different amounts depending on the employer and location. A tax collector salary can also be higher in senior county, state, or management positions, while entry-level tax collection jobs may pay less. People searching for tax collector salary, tax collector pay, tax collector hourly pay, county tax collector salary, or how much does a tax collector make can expect the job to be mainly connected with government tax administration and collection.
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Tax Collector Salary in the USA
A tax collector in the United States is normally part of a government tax administration office and the work is not exactly the same in every place. Some workers deal with tax accounts, overdue payments and taxpayer notices, while others may review returns, calculate tax liabilities or work with property and local taxes. The latest BLS data puts the median tax examiner and collector wage at $62,370 per year, or about $29.98 per hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $42,000 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $114,550, showing how wide the tax collector pay range can become with experience, position and government level.
Tax Collector Salary by State
Tax collector salary by state can be very different because government pay schedules, local budgets, cost of living and the type of tax position all change from one state to another. The table below is based on BLS occupational wage data for Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents. It should be read as a guide for the broader occupation, because a specific county Tax Collector or elected Tax Collector can have a different compensation system.
| State | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $41,585 |
| Alaska | $96,210 |
| Arizona | $83,160 |
| Arkansas | $40,893 |
| California | $76,390 |
| Colorado | $72,000+ |
| Connecticut | $87,520 |
| Delaware | $70,000+ |
| Florida | $51,510 |
| Georgia | $61,000+ |
| Hawaii | $70,000+ |
| Idaho | $50,000+ |
| Illinois | $65,000+ |
| Indiana | $55,000+ |
| Iowa | $55,000+ |
| Kansas | $81,880 |
| Kentucky | $54,730 |
| Louisiana | $55,000+ |
| Maine | $55,000+ |
| Maryland | $70,000+ |
| Massachusetts | $70,000+ |
| Michigan | $60,000+ |
| Minnesota | $65,000+ |
| Mississippi | $43,620 |
| Missouri | $50,630 |
| Montana | $50,000+ |
| Nebraska | $50,000+ |
| Nevada | $60,000+ |
| New Hampshire | $60,000+ |
| New Jersey | $92,000 |
| New Mexico | $50,000+ |
| New York | $76,720 |
| North Carolina | $55,000+ |
| North Dakota | $55,000+ |
| Ohio | $60,000+ |
| Oklahoma | $50,000+ |
| Oregon | $65,000+ |
| Pennsylvania | $58,100 |
| Rhode Island | $70,000+ |
| South Carolina | $50,000+ |
| South Dakota | $50,000+ |
| Tennessee | $53,860 |
| Texas | $61,430 |
| Utah | $49,890 |
| Vermont | $60,000+ |
| Virginia | $65,000+ |
| Washington | $70,000+ |
| West Virginia | $45,000+ |
| Wisconsin | $60,000+ |
| Wyoming | $58,610 |
These state numbers are useful for understanding the general tax examiner and collector occupation, but they should not be treated as the exact salary for every person with the title Tax Collector. BLS groups several closely related government tax occupations together under SOC 13-2081, and some states have elected county tax collectors or special local government pay systems. For example, Florida law uses a compensation formula for county Tax Collectors based partly on county population, while individual county government jobs can have their own salary ranges.
How Much Does a Tax Collector Make?
So, how much does a tax collector make in the United States? The answer depends on what kind of tax collector job you are looking at. For the broader Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents occupation, the median pay was $62,370 a year in May 2025. That is around $5,198 per month before taxes, or about $29.98 per hour when calculated from a normal full-time work schedule. Some workers are below this level in entry positions, while experienced workers and higher paid government positions can go well above $100,000 a year. A county tax collector, city revenue collector or other local tax office employee may also have a different salary from the national occupation number.
Tax Collector Hourly Pay
Tax collector hourly pay is another common search because some government jobs are advertised using an hourly rate instead of yearly salary. Using the latest BLS median annual wage, the median works out to about $29.98 per hour. But actual tax collector hourly pay can be lower or higher depending on the agency, experience and state. Overtime is also not something that should be assumed for every tax collection position, because many government employees have fixed schedules and different rules for extra hours.
- Median annual tax collector related pay: about $62,370
- Approximate median hourly pay: about $29.98
- Approximate monthly pay before taxes: about $5,198
- Lower 10 percent annual wage: below $42,000
- Higher 10 percent annual wage: above $114,550
Tax Collector Salary by Government Level
The government level can make a noticeable difference in tax collector salary. BLS reports that in May 2025 the median annual wage for this occupation was $64,600 in the federal government, $63,610 in state government and $57,610 in local government. This does not mean every federal tax collector makes more than every local tax collector. It is an occupational wage comparison, and individual jobs can have their own pay grades and benefits.
| Government Level | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Federal government | $64,600 |
| State government | $63,610 |
| Local government | $57,610 |
Tax Collector Job Description
A tax collector job is mainly about making sure taxes are properly collected under the laws and rules of the government agency. The work can involve checking tax records, contacting taxpayers, sending delinquency notices, answering questions and following up on unpaid accounts. Some positions are more office based, while other tax workers may perform field audits or investigations. O*NET lists Tax Collector, Revenue Collector, Revenue Officer and Tax Compliance Officer among reported job titles for this occupation.
- Review tax records and taxpayer information
- Collect taxes from individuals or businesses
- Send notices when tax accounts become delinquent
- Contact taxpayers about discrepancies or unpaid amounts
- Check tax forms and supporting documents
- Maintain records for individual tax cases
- Answer taxpayer questions and explain procedures
- Monitor payment deadlines and payment arrangements
- Investigate certain delinquent tax problems
- Work with other government offices when a case requires further action
What Does a Tax Collector Do?
What a tax collector does can change based on the agency, but the main idea is collecting and administering taxes according to government rules. A worker may contact a taxpayer about an unpaid balance, check documents, explain why a payment is due, or maintain records showing what action was taken. In more difficult collection cases, tax collection workers can deal with payment agreements, liens, garnishments or other legal collection processes when the law allows it. The job therefore needs both financial knowledge and good communication, because the worker deals with people as well as tax records.
- Communicate with taxpayers by phone, mail or other official channels
- Explain tax laws, procedures and account information
- Determine whether tax payments or filings have problems
- Request documents needed to resolve an account
- Record contacts and actions taken on each case
- Notify taxpayers about underpayments or overpayments
- Help resolve delinquent tax accounts
- Keep up with changes in tax rules and procedures
Tax Collector Requirements
Tax collector requirements are not exactly same everywhere in the USA. The education level can depend on the government agency and the position. The BLS says tax examiners, collectors and revenue agents typically need a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field, although education and experience requirements vary by employer and position. O*NET also shows that employers reported different education levels for new hires, including bachelor's degrees, associate degrees and high school education. So a person should always check the specific government job announcement instead of assuming one degree is required for every Tax Collector position.
- Knowledge of accounting and financial records can be important
- Good understanding of tax rules and government procedures is useful
- Strong communication skills are needed for taxpayer contact
- Attention to numbers and records is important
- Computer and data entry skills are commonly needed
- Problem solving is useful when dealing with delinquent accounts
- Some positions may require college education or related experience
- Specific government positions may have additional background or employment requirements
How to Become a Tax Collector
To become a tax collector, a good starting point is learning accounting, finance, taxation or public administration and then looking for openings with federal, state, county or city government agencies. Some positions can require a bachelor's degree, while other jobs may accept an associate degree, high school education or relevant experience depending on the job level. After being hired, workers normally learn the agency's tax systems, procedures and laws. Tax rules also change, so this is not a job where learning stops after getting hired.
- Complete the education required by the specific position
- Build basic accounting and financial record skills
- Learn about federal, state or local tax rules
- Develop strong communication and customer service skills
- Gain relevant administrative, accounting or tax experience when possible
- Search government career websites for Tax Collector and related positions
- Apply for positions that match your education and experience
- Complete agency training after being hired
Tax Collector Salary for Entry Level Workers
An entry level tax collector salary is normally lower than the pay of an experienced worker, although the exact starting amount depends on the government agency and job grade. New workers may begin by handling basic tax accounts, records, notices and taxpayer questions before moving into more complicated collection work. A person with accounting, finance or tax experience may have a better chance of starting at a higher level when the employer allows experience to count toward the position.
- Entry level workers may start below the national median wage
- Government pay grades can affect starting salary
- Previous accounting or tax experience may help
- Education can affect eligibility for some positions
- Local government jobs can have different starting ranges
- Higher level tax positions normally require more experience
Experienced Tax Collector Salary
Experienced tax collectors can earn considerably more than workers who are just starting. With years of government experience, a worker may take on larger or more difficult accounts, train newer employees, perform specialized tax work or move into a senior position. The top end of the broader occupation is above $114,550 per year for workers in the highest 10 percent of wage earners, according to BLS May 2025 data. This does not mean every experienced Tax Collector reaches that amount, but it shows that the occupation has a fairly wide earning range.
- More years of experience can lead to higher pay
- Senior tax positions may have greater responsibility
- Specialized tax knowledge can improve career opportunities
- Supervisory positions can have higher salary grades
- Location continues to be an important part of salary
County Tax Collector Salary
County Tax Collector salary can be difficult to compare across the United States because the title does not mean exactly the same thing in every state. Some counties have Tax Collectors who are elected constitutional or county officials, while other tax collection work is performed by employees working under a county finance, revenue or tax department. The compensation for an elected county Tax Collector can therefore be based on state law, county population, office responsibilities or a statutory formula instead of a normal employee salary range.
For this reason, someone searching for county tax collector salary should check the particular county and state rather than using the national Tax Examiners and Collectors wage as the exact salary. A county employee working in property tax collection may also have a different pay scale from an elected Tax Collector.
Property Tax Collector Salary
A property tax collector deals mainly with taxes connected with real estate and sometimes other taxable property. The job can include maintaining property tax accounts, processing payments, sending delinquency notices and helping taxpayers understand their balances. Property tax collector salary depends on whether the position is with a city, county or another local government office. Local government pay can also vary a lot from one area to another because local budgets and employment classifications are different.
- Maintain property tax account information
- Process property tax payments
- Follow up on unpaid property taxes
- Send delinquency and payment notices
- Answer taxpayer questions about property tax accounts
- Maintain accurate government records
- Follow local laws and collection procedures
Tax Collector Benefits and Job Security
Government tax collection jobs can come with benefits in addition to the basic salary. Depending on the employer, a worker may receive health insurance, retirement benefits, paid vacation, sick leave and paid holidays. The exact package is different for federal, state, county and city employees. Government employment can also provide a more structured pay system than some private sector jobs, but benefits and job security should always be checked in the actual job announcement or employee agreement.
- Health insurance may be available
- Retirement or pension benefits may be offered
- Paid vacation can be included
- Paid sick leave may be available
- Government holidays may be paid
- Some agencies provide additional employee programs
Skills Needed to Work as a Tax Collector
A Tax Collector needs more than just the ability to work with numbers. The worker often has to explain tax information to people who may be confused or unhappy about a bill, while also following strict government rules. Accuracy is very important because a mistake in a taxpayer account can create a bigger problem later. Communication, organization, computer skills, reasoning and attention to detail are therefore useful skills for this career.
- Accounting and basic financial knowledge
- Attention to detail
- Written and verbal communication
- Customer service skills
- Computer and database skills
- Organization and record keeping
- Problem solving
- Ability to understand government rules
- Confidential handling of taxpayer information
- Ability to work with numbers accurately
Tax Collector Work Environment
Many tax collectors work in government offices during regular business hours. The work can involve sitting at a computer for long periods, reviewing documents and speaking with taxpayers. Some positions may involve field work, especially when the role includes investigations, audits or collection activities outside the office. Tax season and important filing or payment deadlines can also make some periods busier than normal.
The job can sometimes be stressful because tax collection involves money and people may not agree with a tax bill or collection action. A professional Tax Collector needs to remain calm, follow the law and explain the available procedures without making personal decisions about a taxpayer's situation.
Tax Collector Career Growth
Tax collection can provide several ways to move forward in a government career. A new worker may begin with basic account processing and later move into more complex tax examination, collection or compliance work. With enough experience and education, some workers may qualify for senior, specialist or supervisory positions. Related careers can include tax examiner, revenue agent, revenue officer, tax compliance officer and other government financial positions.
- Entry-level tax collection positions
- Senior tax collector positions
- Tax examiner positions
- Revenue agent positions
- Revenue officer positions
- Tax compliance positions
- Supervisory government tax positions
Tax Collector vs Tax Examiner
Tax Collector and Tax Examiner can sound like the same job, but the daily work can be different. A Tax Collector is more focused on collecting taxes and resolving unpaid accounts, while a Tax Examiner may spend more time reviewing tax returns and financial information to determine whether tax calculations are correct. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics groups these jobs together with Revenue Agents in the same occupation category for wage and employment statistics, so salary data should be understood as covering the broader occupation rather than one exact job title.
Tax Collector vs Revenue Agent
A Revenue Agent generally has a stronger examination and audit focus, while tax collection work is more connected with obtaining payment of taxes that are owed. Both jobs require attention to financial records, tax rules and government procedures, but their day-to-day responsibilities can be different. Some government career paths can allow workers to move between related tax positions after gaining the required education, training and experience.
Is Tax Collector a Good Career?
Tax Collector can be a good career for someone who likes government work, numbers, records and structured procedures. The occupation has a median wage above $62,000 a year, and experienced workers can earn substantially more. It can also provide government benefits and a path toward related tax careers. On the other hand, the work can involve difficult conversations with taxpayers, strict rules and repetitive record-based tasks, so it may not be the best fit for someone who does not like detailed office work.
- Good option for people interested in government finance
- Can provide stable full-time employment
- Offers opportunities for related tax careers
- May include government employee benefits
- Requires accuracy and attention to detail
- Can involve difficult taxpayer conversations
- Salary varies significantly by state and government agency
Tax Collector Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents to decline 1 percent from 2025 to 2035. Even with the small projected decline, BLS expects about 4,400 openings each year on average during the decade, mostly because workers leave the occupation and need to be replaced. This means the career is not disappearing, but people looking for these jobs should expect competition and should also consider related tax and government finance occupations.
Final Tax Collector Salary Summary
Tax Collector salary in the USA depends on the exact position, government level, state, experience and local pay system. The latest BLS median wage for Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents was $62,370 per year in May 2025, with the lowest 10 percent earning below $42,000 and the highest 10 percent earning above $114,550. Federal government workers in this occupation had a $64,600 median wage, compared with $63,610 for state government and $57,610 for local government. These figures give a useful national picture, but a specific county Tax Collector, property tax collector or local revenue employee can have a different salary. For anyone planning this career, checking the exact state or county job posting is the best way to know the actual salary, education requirement and benefits.
- Median Tax Collector related wage: $62,370 per year
- Approximate median hourly pay: $29.98
- Federal government median: $64,600
- State government median: $63,610
- Local government median: $57,610
- Highest 10 percent: more than $114,550
- Projected employment change, 2025–2035: -1 percent
- Average annual openings projected: about 4,400