Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
O*NET 13-2081.00 · SOC 13-2081
Tax Examiner is a risky career choice. Median pay is $62k a year with -1% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 4,400 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Examine tax returns for accuracy and compliance
- →Audit financial records and business accounts
- →Collect delinquent taxes and negotiate payment plans
- →Notify taxpayers of findings and required adjustments
- →Interpret tax laws and regulations for compliance purposes
Education & How to Get In
Most Tax Examiner positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Structured, offices, data centers, or remote
Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Tax Examiner involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Tax Examiner?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Tax Examiner Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents is projected to decline 1% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·62% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·35% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·Industry sector with high AI adoption trajectory
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Tax Examiner make?
The median Tax Examiner earns $62k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Tax Examiner jobs?
Our model puts Tax Examiner at 63 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 62% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 35% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace.
Is Tax Examiner a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 1% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 4,400 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Tax Examiner?
Most Tax Examiner roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Tax Examiner?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Tax Examiner career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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