Best degree programs for Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents, ranked by enrollment
2 college programs and 1,381 schools train Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents. Compare graduates per year, cost and pay, $62,370 median wage, 56,610 U.S. jobs. Federal data.
2 college programs at 1,381 schools train tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents, graduating 61,640 people a year (IPEDS completions). The largest is Accounting. The job pays a median of $62,370 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
About tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents
Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.
Fields of study that lead to this job
Grouped at the 4-digit CIP level, the tier our program pages are built on. Numbers are graduates per year.
2 degree programs that lead to this job
Ranked by graduates per year (IPEDS completions). Graduate earnings and debt are College Scorecard figures for people who finished the program, reported at the 4-digit CIP level, so specializations within one field share a figure. That is a different measurement from the occupation-wide wages further down this page.
| # | Program | Graduates / yr | Share of pipeline | Schools | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CIP 52.0301 | 60,383 | 98.0% | 1,352 | $51,824 | $24,433 |
| 2 | CIP 52.1601 | 1,257 | 2.0% | 96 | — | — |
Top 50 schools by graduates into this job
Counting every feeder program a school offers, not just its largest one.
| # | School | Graduates / yr | Top feeder program | Grad rate | Net price | Acceptance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Western Governors University Salt Lake City, UT Private not-for-profit · 2 feeder programs | 2,285 | Accounting | 46% | $11,580 | — |
| 2 | Southern New Hampshire University Manchester, NH Private not-for-profit · 2 feeder programs | 1,690 | Accounting | 43% | $34,565 | 100% |
| 3 | CUNY Bernard M Baruch College New York, NY Public · 2 feeder programs | 756 | Accounting | 72% | — | 48% |
| 4 | University of Phoenix - Arizona Phoenix, AZ Private for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 573 | Accounting | 21% | $15,478 | — |
| 5 | Utah Valley University Orem, UT Public · 1 feeder programs | 534 | Accounting | 45% | — | — |
| 6 | Liberty University Lynchburg, VA Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 486 | Accounting | 65% | $28,911 | 99% |
| 7 | Texas A&M University - College Station College Station, TX Public · 1 feeder programs | 441 | Accounting | 84% | — | 57% |
| 8 | Colorado Technical University - Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, CO Private for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 396 | Accounting | 19% | $16,966 | — |
| 9 | Dallas College Dallas, TX Public · 1 feeder programs | 378 | Accounting | 32% | — | — |
| 10 | University of Georgia Athens, GA Public · 1 feeder programs | 374 | Accounting | 90% | — | 38% |
| 11 | DeVry University - Illinois Lisle, IL Private for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 370 | Accounting | 37% | $32,381 | 98% |
| 12 | Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL Public · 2 feeder programs | 367 | Accounting | 63% | — | 66% |
| 13 | Ohio State University - Main Campus Columbus, OH Public · 1 feeder programs | 365 | Accounting | 88% | — | 61% |
| 14 | Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZ Private not-for-profit · 1 feeder programs | 359 | Accounting | 43% | $21,535 | 79% |
| 15 | The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL Public · 2 feeder programs | 359 | Accounting | 73% | — | 77% |
| 16 | University of Houston Houston, TX Public · 1 feeder programs | 352 | Accounting | 65% | — | 74% |
| 17 | University of Mississippi University, MS Public · 2 feeder programs | 334 | Accounting | 72% | — | 97% |
| 18 | Purdue University Global West Lafayette, IN Public · 1 feeder programs | 326 | Accounting | 50% | — | — |
| 19 | University of South Florida Tampa, FL Public · 1 feeder programs | 326 | Accounting | 77% | — | 43% |
| 20 | Baylor University Waco, TX Private not-for-profit · 2 feeder programs | 309 | Accounting | 80% | $35,682 | 51% |
| 21 | University of North Texas Denton, TX Public · 2 feeder programs | 309 | Accounting | 61% | — | 72% |
| 22 | University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign Champaign, IL Public · 2 feeder programs | 300 | Accounting | 85% | — | 42% |
| 23 | Florida International University Miami, FL Public · 1 feeder programs | 299 | Accounting | 74% | — | 55% |
| 24 | University of Houston - Downtown Houston, TX Public · 1 feeder programs | 299 | Accounting | 33% | — | 90% |
| 25 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ Public · 2 feeder programs | 278 | Accounting | 68% | — | 90% |
| 26 | Auburn University Auburn, AL Public · 1 feeder programs | 278 | Accounting | 82% | — | 46% |
| 27 | Pennsylvania State University - Main Campus University Park, PA Public · 1 feeder programs | 275 | Accounting | 86% | — | 61% |
| 28 | Texas Tech University Lubbock, TX Public · 1 feeder programs | 274 | Accounting | 69% | — | 73% |
| 29 | University of Massachusetts - Amherst Amherst, MA Public · 1 feeder programs | 274 | Accounting | 83% | — | 60% |
| 30 | University of Central Florida Orlando, FL Public · 1 feeder programs | 266 | Accounting | 78% | — | 40% |
| 31 | Colorado State University Global Denver, CO Public · 1 feeder programs | 264 | Accounting | — | — | 98% |
| 32 | University of Oklahoma - Norman Campus Norman, OK Public · 1 feeder programs | 261 | Accounting | 75% | — | 77% |
| 33 | Texas State University San Marcos, TX Public · 1 feeder programs | 260 | Accounting | 55% | — | 89% |
| 34 | The University of Tennessee - Knoxville Knoxville, TN Public · 1 feeder programs | 260 | Accounting | 74% | — | 42% |
| 35 | University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR Public · 1 feeder programs | 254 | Accounting | 71% | — | 74% |
| 36 | DePaul University Chicago, IL Private not-for-profit · 2 feeder programs | 253 | Accounting | 68% | $28,141 | 76% |
| 37 | Clemson University Clemson, SC Public · 1 feeder programs | 252 | Accounting | 87% | — | 38% |
| 38 | Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GA Public · 1 feeder programs | 251 | Accounting | 52% | — | 69% |
| 39 | California State University - Northridge Northridge, CA Public · 2 feeder programs | 249 | Accounting | 57% | — | 93% |
| 40 | University of Arizona Tucson, AZ Public · 1 feeder programs | 243 | Accounting | 68% | — | 86% |
| 41 | University of Kansas Lawrence, KS Public · 1 feeder programs | 242 | Accounting | 69% | — | 93% |
| 42 | University of Maryland Global Campus Adelphi, MD Public · 1 feeder programs | 241 | Accounting | 33% | — | — |
| 43 | University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT Public · 1 feeder programs | 241 | Accounting | 65% | — | 86% |
| 44 | The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX Public · 1 feeder programs | 233 | Accounting | 89% | — | 27% |
| 45 | University of Nevada - Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV Public · 1 feeder programs | 228 | Accounting | 51% | — | 96% |
| 46 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Edinburg, TX Public · 1 feeder programs | 225 | Accounting | 51% | — | 94% |
| 47 | Washington State University Pullman, WA Public · 1 feeder programs | 222 | Accounting | 60% | — | 87% |
| 48 | University of Wisconsin - Madison Madison, WI Public · 1 feeder programs | 221 | Accounting | 90% | — | 45% |
| 49 | Binghamton University Vestal, NY Public · 1 feeder programs | 216 | Accounting | 82% | — | 39% |
| 50 | Eastern Washington University Cheney, WA Public · 1 feeder programs | 211 | Accounting | 43% | — | 91% |
What tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents earn
What people already working in this job earn (BLS OEWS May 2025). Not graduate earnings.
Top-paying states
Top-paying metro areas
Job outlook
Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections, 2024 to 2034.
Where the jobs are, state by state
Pick a state for in-state pay, the schools there, and the programs they run.
| State | Median pay | Jobs | Concentration | Schools | Graduates / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $58,200 | 3,980 | 0.78× | 77 | 6,428 |
| New York | $72,610 | 3,550 | 1.01× | 74 | 4,274 |
| Utah | $49,940 | 3,470 | 5.49× | 12 | 3,627 |
| Florida | $46,760 | 3,950 | 1.09× | 39 | 2,777 |
| Illinois | $80,720 | 1,350 | 0.61× | 68 | 2,410 |
| Ohio | $76,240 | 990 | 0.49× | 59 | 2,336 |
| Pennsylvania | $56,870 | 3,540 | 1.60× | 83 | 2,310 |
| Arizona | $92,680 | 230 | 0.19× | 24 | 2,156 |
| New Hampshire | $58,610 | 330 | 1.34× | 13 | 1,819 |
| Georgia | $55,430 | 1,970 | 1.11× | 34 | 1,629 |
| New Jersey | $96,420 | 1,430 | 0.91× | 29 | 1,595 |
| California | $74,110 | 8,610 | 1.30× | 68 | 1,588 |
| Michigan | $63,440 | 1,080 | 0.68× | 39 | 1,549 |
| Virginia | $59,610 | 1,800 | 1.20× | 26 | 1,419 |
| Wisconsin | $59,990 | 500 | 0.47× | 45 | 1,379 |
| Alabama | $58,100 | 1,300 | 1.69× | 20 | 1,366 |
| Minnesota | $79,000 | 1,150 | 1.07× | 48 | 1,335 |
| Massachusetts | $75,560 | 1,260 | 0.95× | 38 | 1,290 |
| North Carolina | $61,950 | 1,300 | 0.72× | 34 | 1,280 |
| Indiana | $56,570 | 550 | 0.47× | 38 | 1,209 |
| Colorado | $69,740 | 620 | 0.59× | 23 | 1,196 |
| South Carolina | $61,110 | 280 | 0.34× | 35 | 1,171 |
| Missouri | $50,250 | 2,280 | 2.13× | 30 | 1,099 |
| Washington | $72,850 | 770 | 0.59× | 17 | 1,080 |
| Tennessee | $51,630 | 1,850 | 1.55× | 28 | 1,002 |
| Connecticut | $89,140 | 940 | 1.52× | 14 | 996 |
| Iowa | $66,860 | 210 | 0.38× | 35 | 939 |
| Louisiana | $49,940 | 600 | 0.85× | 21 | 831 |
| Maryland | $66,900 | 560 | 0.56× | 21 | 819 |
| Kentucky | $57,240 | 1,290 | 1.78× | 20 | 788 |
| Kansas | $88,610 | 50 | 0.10× | 21 | 773 |
| Mississippi | $41,860 | 710 | 1.69× | 16 | 773 |
| Oklahoma | $52,480 | 240 | 0.38× | 20 | 740 |
| Oregon | $65,830 | 430 | 0.59× | 20 | 631 |
| Arkansas | $55,140 | 440 | 0.93× | 26 | 604 |
| Idaho | $61,110 | 300 | 0.98× | 7 | 485 |
| Rhode Island | $69,870 | 270 | 1.46× | 9 | 358 |
| West Virginia | $50,730 | 290 | 1.13× | 16 | 335 |
| Nebraska | $59,150 | 180 | 0.49× | 13 | 318 |
| Nevadamoderate | $75,500 | 280 | 0.49× | 4 | 310 |
| Delaware | $72,900 | 110 | 0.60× | 5 | 266 |
| North Dakota | $72,230 | 60 | 0.36× | 7 | 211 |
| New Mexico | $56,260 | 190 | 0.59× | 10 | 206 |
| South Dakota | $63,790 | 120 | 0.70× | 12 | 201 |
| Maine | $63,290 | 350 | 1.51× | 12 | 199 |
| Hawaiimoderate | $67,210 | 80 | 0.35× | 3 | 137 |
| Montana | $63,610 | 130 | 0.67× | 7 | 123 |
| Vermont | $59,010 | 140 | 1.26× | 6 | 111 |
| Alaskalimited | $94,630 | 60 | 0.53× | 2 | 63 |
| Wyoming | $61,780 | 60 | 0.60× | 6 | 25 |
Skills and tools
From O*NET, the U.S. Department of Labor's occupational database. Importance is a 1 to 5 scale.
What they do day to day
- Send notices to taxpayers when accounts are delinquent.
- Confer with taxpayers or their representatives to discuss the issues, laws, and regulations involved in returns, and to resolve problems with returns.
- Notify taxpayers of any overpayment or underpayment, and either issue a refund or request further payment.
- Maintain records for each case, including contacts, telephone numbers, and actions taken.
- Contact taxpayers by mail or telephone to address discrepancies and to request supporting documentation.
- Answer questions from taxpayers and assist them in completing tax forms.
- Collect taxes from individuals or businesses according to prescribed laws and regulations.
- Determine appropriate methods of debt settlement, such as offers of compromise, wage garnishment, or seizure and sale of property.
Skills
- Active Listening4.0
- Reading Comprehension4.0
- Speaking4.0
- Critical Thinking3.9
- Writing3.3
- Mathematics3.3
- Monitoring3.3
- Active Learning3.3
Knowledge areas
- Customer and Personal Service4.3
- English Language4.1
- Mathematics3.9
- Administrative3.9
- Law and Government3.7
- Economics and Accounting3.5
Abilities
- Oral Expression4.0
- Oral Comprehension4.0
- Inductive Reasoning4.0
- Deductive Reasoning4.0
- Information Ordering4.0
- Written Comprehension4.0
Core activities
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization4.9
- Working with Computers4.8
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public4.7
- Getting Information4.6
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.5
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.3
Tools and technology
hotmarks an O*NET hot technologyHow to get in
How to become a Tax Examiner
Job zone 3 of 5 · SVP 6.0 to < 7.0- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Every major mapped to this job
The official federal mapping behind the rankings above.
All 2 majors mapped to Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents2 of them graduated someone in the latest IPEDS year. NCES CIP 2020 → SOC 2018 crosswalk.+
- 52.0301Accounting
- 52.1601Taxation
Related careers
Jobs O*NET identifies as close to this one, with their own pay and outlook.
Common questions
What degree do you need to become a Tax Examiner?+
Bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education BLS reports for this occupation. The most common program people actually graduate from is Accounting, which awarded 60,383 degrees in 2024-25, 98.0% of everyone graduating from a program that feeds this career.
Which college majors lead to becoming a Tax Examiner?+
The NCES CIP-to-SOC crosswalk maps 2 programs to this occupation. The largest are Accounting and Related Services, Taxation. Together they graduate about 61,640 people a year.
How much do tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents earn?+
The median is $62,370 a year (BLS OEWS May 2025). The middle range runs from $42,000 at the 10th percentile to $114,550 at the 90th. This is pay for people already working in the occupation, not the same thing as graduate earnings one year after finishing a degree.
Is demand for tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents growing?+
BLS projects a -1.8% change in employment between 2024 and 2034, decline, with roughly 4,300 openings a year nationally once retirements and job changes are counted.
How many schools offer programs for this career?+
1,381 institutions reported graduates from at least one of the 2 programs that feed this occupation in IPEDS 2024-25. Rankings on this page use graduates per year, because the federal data publishes no enrollment count by program.
What other job titles do tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents work under?+
Employers advertise this work under many names. O*NET records Tax Examiner, Revenue Agent, Tax Collector, Tax Compliance Officer among the most commonly reported, all mapping to SOC 13-2081.
About the data on this page
Rankings use IPEDS completions 2024-25, degrees awarded per year. That is the closest federal measure of how many people a program puts into a career, because no federal dataset publishes enrollment by program. Wages and employment come from BLS OEWS May 2025, growth and openings from BLS Employment Projections 2024-34, and which majors lead to which jobs from the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk. Occupation descriptions, tasks, skills and tools are O*NET 30.3 (CC BY 4.0, U.S. Department of Labor/ETA).
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics
May 2025Wages, employment counts, location quotients and metro breakdowns.
BLS Employment Projections
2024–34Projected growth, annual openings and typical entry-level education.
IPEDS Completions
2024-25 (provisional)Graduates per year by program and institution — the ranking metric.
College Scorecard, Field of Study
2020-21 cohortsMedian graduate earnings one year after completion, and median debt.
Census Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes
latest availableGraduate earnings 1/5/10 years out, where the state participates.
NCES CIP 2020 and the CIP-to-SOC 2018 crosswalk
CIP 2020 / SOC 2018Which college programs officially lead to this occupation.
O*NET Database 30.3
30.3Tasks, skills, knowledge, tools, job zone and alternate job titles.
Official source →CC BY 4.0, U.S. Department of Labor / ETA
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