Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents determine how much is owed in taxes and collect tax from individuals and businesses on behalf of the government.
Is tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents a good career?
It scores 12/100 and ranks #642 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays above the U.S. median wage ($62,370)
Possible tradeoffs
- Employment is projected to decline (-1.8% through 2034)
- Typically requires a bachelor's degree
What tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents earn between $49,450 and $83,390 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents jobs
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- Typical education
- Bachelor's degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow decline through 2034.
Education
Tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents typically need a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, such as business. For some jobs, work experience may substitute for a degree.
Candidates for tax examiner and collector positions at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may qualify with a bachelor’s degree in any field of study or with specialized experience, or with a combination of education and experience. Internal revenue agents at the IRS generally need a bachelor’s degree in accounting; a combination of education and experience equivalent to a major in accounting; or a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificate.
Training
Newly hired tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents typically receive on-the-job training that lasts between 1 month and 1 year. These workers also must keep current with changes to the tax code and in enforcement and collection procedures.
Advancement
Tax examiners who review individual tax returns may advance to revenue agent positions, working on more complex business returns.
Tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents who demonstrate leadership skills and a thorough knowledge of tax collection activities may advance to supervisory or managerial positions.
Important qualities
Analytical skills. Tax examiners and revenue agents must be able to identify questionable claims for credits and deductions and determine if claims are lawful.
Communication skills. Tax collectors must be able to clearly explain complex details, especially about sensitive information, in their work with the public.
Detail oriented. Tax examiners and revenue agents verify the accuracy of each entry on the tax returns they review. Therefore, it is important that they pay attention to detail.
Interpersonal skills. Tax collectors must be comfortable interacting with people. When pursuing overdue accounts, tax collectors should be firm and composed.
Math skills. Tax collectors and revenue agents deal with numbers daily and must be comfortable with arithmetic. They also need to analyze, compare, and interpret facts and figures.
Organizational skills. Tax examiners and revenue agents may work with multiple returns and a variety of financial documents. Keeping the various pieces of information organized is essential.
Related occupations
How much do tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents make?
The national median wage is $62,370 a year, with the middle half earning between $49,450 and $83,390 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 12 of 100 and ranks #642 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change -1.8% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agent?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree.
Where do tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents earn the most?
Among states, New Jersey pays the highest median ($96,420). Local pay for every state and metro is below.