Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Professionals in this field focus on evaluating information to determine compliance with tax standards, laws, and regulations. Their daily tasks involve gathering information, processing data, and working with computers to review financial records. They frequently communicate with supervisors, peers, and individuals outside their organization, which requires performing services directly for the public.

Success in this role relies on strong conventional interests, meaning a preference for structured, detail-oriented tasks. Key skills include active listening, reading comprehension, critical thinking, and mathematics to solve complex problems and make sound judgments. Workers must possess knowledge in economics, accounting, law, government, and administration. Important work styles for this career include high attention to detail, integrity, dependability, and cautiousness, alongside stress tolerance and self-control when handling difficult collection situations.

To enter this career, the typical education level needed is a bachelor's degree, though some individuals prepare through vocational training, an associate degree, or related work experience. Common college majors that lead to this occupation include accounting and related services, as well as taxation.

While specific credentials are not always mandatory, professionals can earn certifications to advance their careers. Examples of relevant credentials include the Certified Fraud Examiner designation from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and the Certified IRA Services Professional credential offered by the American Bankers Association. These certifications help demonstrate specialized knowledge in financial investigation and retirement account regulations.

The median annual pay for tax examiners, collectors, and revenue agents is $62,370. This means half of the workers in this field earn more than this amount, while the other half earn less. The lowest 10 percent of earners make less than $42,000, while the highest 10 percent earn more than $114,550.

There are 56,610 people employed in this occupation. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to change by -1 percent, which represents little or no change in the overall size of the workforce. Despite this flat growth, about 4,400 job openings are expected to become available each year to replace workers who leave the field.