The average enrolled agent salary in the United States is $35,171. Enrolled agent salaries typically range between $22,000 and $54,000 yearly. The average hourly rate for enrolled agents is $16.91 per hour. Enrolled agent salary is impacted by location, education, and experience. Enrolled agents earn the highest average salary in Alaska.
You can become an EA by obtaining a Personal Tax Identification Number (PTIN), passing all three parts of the IRS’s Special Enrollment Examination (SEE) and passing compliance and background checks. There is no specific education or work experience requirement, although candidates should have well-established tax knowledge before taking the exam. You must apply for enrollment within one year of the date you passed the third examination part. All references on the examination are to the Internal Revenue Code, forms and publications, as amended through Dec. 31, 2023. Also, unless otherwise stated, all questions relate to the calendar year 2023.
Average Base Salary
The IRS does not make recommendations as to any specific provider. Enrolled agent salaries at IDEMIA and Acuity Insurance are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average enrolled agent salary at companies like Smoker Craft Boats and Independent Health are highly competitive.
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. That works out to a 4% change in pay for enrolled agents over the last decade. If you are wearing eyeglasses you will be required to remove them for visual inspection to ensure they don’t contain a recording device. Large jewelry items must be stored in your locker due to concerns over concealed recording devices. Water in a clear or transparent container with a lid or cap must have all labels removed, and the container will be inspected for notes or other prohibited test aids.
Entry-level salaries for EA agents
You are not allowed to access notes, books, reference materials, or electronic devices at any time during the examination or during breaks. Unauthorized access to notes, books, reference materials or electronic devices may result in your test results being nullified by the IRS. You will be provided scratch paper and pencils at the test center and you are not allowed to leave the testing room with notes taken during the examination. Generally, enrolled agents must obtain a minimum of 72 hours per enrollment cycle (every three years). A minimum of 16 hours must be earned per year, two of which must be on ethics. Review detailed information about continuing education for enrolled agents.
