TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Introduction
- Key Takeaways
- Enrolled Agent Salary Outlook in 2025-26
Entry Level EAs
Mid-Level EAs
Senior-Level EAs
Factors that Influence the EA Salary
Salary Outlook - Why Become an Enrolled Agent?
- Conclusion
- FAQs
INTRODUCTION
In the United States, an EA is a tax advisor who is a federally authorized tax practitioner empowered by the Department of Treasury. For tax concerns, such as audits, collections, and appeals, EAs represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. The Enrolled Agent credential is the highest designation awarded by the Internal Revenue Service.
Whether drawn to low entry barriers or high flexibility, an enrolled agent career is attractive to many. Nonetheless, in any career, one of the most important factors and probably one of the main considerations is the salary, that’s why we’re here.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- High Demand for Tax Experts: EAs are in demand, particularly during tax season, thus they offer robust job security.
- Solid Starting Pay: Typically, entry-level jobs earn around $70,000 with steady growth opportunities.
- Flexible Career: Enrolled agents can work in different fields, such as private firms, and law practices, and even become self-employed.
- Low Entry Barrier: It requires passing the EA exam even without a college degree, which makes it accessible and quick to enter.
- Earning Potential: Experience enrolled agents could earn up to $100,000 or more
ENROLLED AGENT SALARY OUTLOOK IN 2025-2026
The average enrolled agent’s salary can differ significantly when considering several factors, such as experience, the size of the company, employment duration, specialization, and location among others.
Entry-Level EAs
An entry-level position is the starting point for an EA career after passing the exam. The annual average salary for beginners could range from $30,000 to $50,000. If you look at it, it may not be much, but keep in mind that EAs have the potential to see a rapid pay hike as they acquire experience and specialize in tax areas.
Mid-Level EAs
Enrolled agents with a few years of experience will see a jump in their pay. Mid-level agents can expect their salaries to be between $50,000 and $70,000 annually. This, of course, depends on the location and skills acquired. Knowledge of IRS guidelines, experience in client representation, and tax preparation skills all play a significant factor in the earning potential.
Senior-Level EAs
Enrolled agents with five or more years of experience could have an annual income of $75,000 to $100,000 and even more. This is particularly true if they work in a reputable accounting firm or the private sector. EAs with their practice can also have significant income growth as well.
Factors that Influence the EA Salary
- Location
Salaries could vary from city to state or state to state. In big metro areas or high-cost regions, such as California or New York, EAs earn more than those in rural settings. - Experience Level
Experience is everything. Senior Enrolled Agents can significantly earn more than those who are just starting. - Employer
The place of work or the company matters. Enrolled agents employed by the IRS or private accounting firms earn differently. EAs working in big corporations or law firms have higher salaries. Those who have their practice may experience fluctuating incomes, depending on their client base. - Specialized Skills
Enrolled agents with specialized skills, like tax practice, tax planning, or IRS representation, usually command higher salaries.
Salary Outlook
When you look at the figures, the salary for enrolled agents is not going downhill. As the demand for their expert services grows, you can expect the salary to grow as well. The figures above are based on data from December 2024, but it’s a no-brainer that the figures will go up this year, in 2026, and beyond. If you want to become an EA, now’s definitely the best time to be one.
WHY BECOME AN ENROLLED AGENT?
There are many compelling reasons to become an Enrolled Agent. Some may be looking for a change in their career path while others want to boost their earning potential or learn more about tax law. Why become an EA? Let’s find out.
1. In-Demand Expertise
The world we live in now is becoming more and more virtual. The remote work trend means many professionals are looking for more flexible careers. Since enrolled agents are federally licensed, they can practice in any state wherever they may be located. Being able to practice anywhere provides more flexibility than others.
2. Competitive Income
In the US, an EA earns an average of $71,000 annually. The Enrolled Agent certification opens up opportunities to work in various sectors. Enrolled agents who have been working for some time go on to launch their own tax practices, providing extra flexibility. Moreover, whatever the state of the economy may be, people will always need help preparing their taxes or dealing with the IRS.
3. Versatile Career
There is a wide range of career opportunities for enrolled agents. As an EA, you can work in different settings, such as government agencies and accounting firms, or establish your own tax consulting company. The enrolled agent credential opens doors to diverse career opportunities.
4. Lesser Requirements
Compared to the CPA credential, earning an EA designation is less strenuous. It does not have an education or experience requirement. After passing the exam and the IRS background check, you can do tax preparation and client representation easily.
The requirements to become an Enrolled Agent are:
- Obtain a Personal Tax Identification Number (PTIN)
- Schedule and take the EA exam and pass all three parts within two years
- Apply for Enrollment
- Pass the Suitability Check
5. Ethical Standards
The high ethical standards of Circular 230 bind enrolled agents to be always true in their dealings. The Circular is a set of regulations that require EAs to act ethically and professionally while performing their jobs of representing clients before the IRS. Moreover, it instills credibility and trust, which is paramount in the financial landscape.
CONCLUSION
An enrolled agent career is ultimately a wonderful opportunity. Whatever your reason is for pursuing an EA career, you will surely love the pay if you stick around long enough and gain experience. Furthermore, you’ll love the flexibility, stability, and ability to make an impact on the finances of others. There are several resources online to help you pursue an EA certification.
FAQs
Q. Can I get multiple certifications?
Ans. The IRS does not offer other EA certifications. Nevertheless, you can pursue additional credentials, such as CPA licensure for instance.
Q. Is earning the EA designation difficult?
Ans. Earning an Enrolled Agent status may be difficult since the pass rates are from 57 percent to 70 percent. However, besides the exam, there are not many bottlenecks to obtaining the designation.
Q. How do EAs differ from CPAs?
Ans. Both handle taxes, but CPAs focus more on accounting and auditing. Enrolled agents, on the other hand, specialize in tax law and are authorized to represent their clients before the IRS.
Q. Is the EA designation worth it?
Ans. For those seeking a stable career and interested in tax law, the EA role offers job flexibility, solid pay, and a quick path to take. So yes, it’s definitely worth it.
Q. Do I need to have a degree to become an EA?
Ans. No. You only need to pass the Enrolled Agent exam and obtain your PTIN to get started.