The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is one of the most important federal agencies in the United States. Its role is to enforce tax laws, ensure compliance, and collect revenue that funds government operations. Within the IRS, auditors play a vital role by reviewing tax returns, investigating discrepancies, and ensuring taxpayers both individuals and businesses follow U.S. tax laws.
Because of their critical responsibility, IRS Auditor salary and benefits per year in the USA (2025) remain a highly searched topic. Many job seekers want to know what an IRS auditor earns, how salaries are structured, what benefits come with the position, and how pay compares to other federal jobs.
In this guide, we provide a comprehensive breakdown of IRS Auditor salaries in 2025, including:
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Salary structure by grade level
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Average pay per year
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Allowances and benefits
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Pay differences by state and locality
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Career progression and promotion opportunities
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Comparison with other federal jobs
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FAQs about IRS Auditor pay and benefits
This article is designed to give you everything you need to know about IRS auditor compensation in 2025.
IRS Auditor Salary Overview in 2025
IRS auditors are federal employees, and their pay is based on the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, which applies to most federal government employees.
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Entry-level IRS auditors usually start between GS-5 and GS-7.
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Mid-level auditors are typically GS-9 to GS-11.
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Senior auditors can reach GS-12 to GS-13, with some positions extending higher.
In 2025, the IRS Auditor average annual salary in the USA ranges between $55,000 and $115,000, depending on grade, experience, and location.
IRS Auditor Salary Table by Grade Level (2025)
The following table summarizes estimated yearly salaries for IRS auditors in 2025, based on the federal GS pay scale. Salaries vary by locality (higher in cities with higher living costs such as New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.).
| Grade Level | Entry Step Salary (2025) | Mid Step Salary (2025) | Top Step Salary (2025) | Typical Experience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $38,500 | $42,700 | $47,900 | Entry-level (Bachelor’s degree, no experience) |
| GS-7 | $48,000 | $53,500 | $59,900 | Entry-level with experience or Master’s degree |
| GS-9 | $59,200 | $65,800 | $72,400 | 1–3 years of auditing/tax experience |
| GS-11 | $70,900 | $78,600 | $86,400 | Mid-level, independent case handling |
| GS-12 | $85,300 | $94,000 | $103,000 | Senior auditor, leadership roles |
| GS-13 | $101,500 | $110,800 | $120,900 | Advanced auditor, team lead |
| GS-14+ | $120,000+ | $135,000+ | $150,000+ | Senior management, policy roles |
Note: Salaries include base GS pay estimates for 2025; locality adjustments can add 15%–35% depending on location.
How the IRS Auditor Salary Structure Works
IRS Auditor pay is determined by three main factors:
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Grade Level (GS Scale): Determines base pay based on qualifications and responsibilities.
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Step Increases: Each grade has 10 steps; employees move up steps with time in service and performance.
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Locality Pay: Adjustments are made based on the cost of living in different U.S. locations. For example, auditors in New York or San Francisco earn more than those in rural states.
This system ensures fair and standardized pay across the federal government.
IRS Auditor Salary by Location (2025)
Because locality adjustments affect pay, IRS auditor salaries differ across the United States. Below are examples of average annual salaries in major U.S. cities:
| City/State | Average Annual Salary (2025) |
|---|---|
| Washington, D.C. | $98,500 – $120,000 |
| New York, NY | $100,000 – $125,000 |
| San Francisco, CA | $105,000 – $130,000 |
| Chicago, IL | $90,000 – $115,000 |
| Dallas, TX | $85,000 – $110,000 |
| Atlanta, GA | $84,000 – $108,000 |
| Miami, FL | $83,000 – $107,000 |
| Rural States (avg.) | $70,000 – $95,000 |
IRS Auditor Benefits and Allowances (2025)
Beyond salary, IRS auditors receive comprehensive federal benefits that significantly increase their total compensation package.
1. Health Insurance
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Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program
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Wide range of plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
2. Retirement Benefits
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Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
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Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with employer matching (similar to 401k)
3. Paid Leave
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13–26 days of annual leave per year (based on years of service)
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13 days of sick leave annually
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11 federal holidays
4. Job Security
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Federal employment protections and union support
5. Work-Life Balance
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Flexible work schedules and remote work opportunities
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Paid training and education support
6. Additional Perks
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Student loan repayment programs
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Transportation subsidies
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Career development opportunities
Career Progression for IRS Auditors
IRS auditors enjoy clear career growth opportunities:
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Entry-Level (GS-5 to GS-7): Newly hired auditors, typically recent graduates.
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Mid-Level (GS-9 to GS-11): Handle independent audits, more complex cases.
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Senior-Level (GS-12 to GS-13): Lead audit teams, supervise others.
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Management (GS-14 and above): Policy-making, senior leadership positions.
Promotions depend on performance, years of service, and additional training or qualifications.
Comparison with Other Federal Jobs
IRS auditor salaries are competitive compared to other federal agencies.
| Federal Job Title | Average Salary (2025) |
|---|---|
| IRS Auditor | $70,000 – $115,000 |
| FBI Special Agent | $65,000 – $120,000 |
| Customs & Border Officer | $55,000 – $95,000 |
| Social Security Analyst | $60,000 – $100,000 |
IRS auditor roles also offer stronger job stability and more remote work flexibility compared to enforcement-heavy roles like FBI or Border Protection.
Key Factors Influencing IRS Auditor Pay
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Experience and Education – Higher degrees lead to better pay.
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Grade and Step Level – Determines exact salary placement.
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Location – Salaries are higher in big cities.
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Performance – High-performing auditors get promotions faster.
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Policy Changes – Annual GS pay adjustments affect all federal employees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the starting salary of an IRS Auditor in 2025?
Entry-level auditors start around $48,000 – $55,000 annually.
2. How much does a senior IRS Auditor earn?
Senior auditors (GS-12 to GS-13) earn $94,000 – $120,000+ per year.
3. Do IRS auditors get paid more in cities?
Yes. Locality pay increases salaries in high-cost cities like New York, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco.
4. Are IRS auditors eligible for bonuses?
While rare, some performance-based incentives and awards exist.
5. Do IRS auditors receive pensions?
Yes. They are covered under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
6. How many hours do IRS auditors work?
Typically 40 hours per week, though overtime may occur during tax season.
7. Is remote work available for IRS auditors?
Yes. Many positions allow telework and flexible scheduling.
8. What is the highest grade level for an IRS auditor?
Most auditors max at GS-13, though management roles can reach GS-14 or GS-15.
9. Do IRS auditors need a CPA license?
Not required, but having a CPA or accounting degree helps with promotions.
10. How does IRS auditor pay compare to private accounting jobs?
Private firms may offer higher pay, but the IRS provides greater job security and federal benefits.
Conclusion
The IRS Auditor salary and benefits per year in the USA (2025) make this career one of the most stable and rewarding options in federal employment. With competitive pay, generous federal benefits, locality adjustments, and clear promotion pathways, the role attracts thousands of qualified applicants each year.
Whether you are a recent graduate considering federal service or an experienced accountant seeking career stability, working as an IRS auditor offers both financial security and career growth.