Tax examiners, collectors, and revenue agents

In 2004, tax examiners, revenue agents, and collectors held about 76,000 jobs at all levels of government. About half worked for the Federal Government, 3 out of 10 for State governments, and the remainder in local governments. Among those employed by the IRS, tax examiners and revenue agents predominate because of the need to examine or audit tax returns. Collectors make up a smaller proportion, because most disputed tax liabilities do not require enforced collection.

In May 2004, median annual earnings for all tax examiners, collectors, and revenue agents were $43,490. The middle 50 percent earned between $32,520 and $62,570. The bottom 10 percent earned less than $25,120, and the top 10 percent earned more than $81,240.

However, median earnings vary considerably, depending on the level of government. At the Federal level, May 2004 median annual earnings for tax examiners were $52,830; at the State level, they were $41,920; and at the local level, they were $31,310. Earnings also vary by occupational specialty. For example, in the Federal Government in 2005, tax examiners earned an average of $36,963, revenue agents earned $81,417, and tax specialists earned $54,364.

(from the Occupational Outlook Handbook: Tax Examiners, Collectors, and Revenue Agents)

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