But who wants the task of sifting through receipts and organizing statements when there’s a whole slew of business operations to attend to? It may be time for you to make the executive decision of hiring a bookkeeper to take the reins. Based on the data by Salary.com, San Jose has the most competitive pay, ranging from $50,500 to $62,890, while Paramus has the least, with salaries ranging from $46,360 to $57,720.

Services

The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) offers the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) credential. NACPB offers the Bookkeeping Certification or a higher-level Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) license. Certification typically requires completing bookkeeping courses or a training program, passing a test and paying a fee. The tables below highlight states and metro areas that pay the highest salaries for bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks.

• In the U.S., how much bookkeepers get paid varies a lot based on their experience, where they work, and their field.
• The median base salary makes up 66.3% of the total pay while benefits like social security, healthcare, and time off make up 25.6%.
• Average entry-level salaries approach $38,000 per year, according to Payscale.
• Accountants make a median annual salary of $81,680, significantly more than the $49,210 that bookkeepers earn.
• Online bookkeeping services live Quickbooks Live for bookkeepers offer the convenience of 24/7 access to your financial data without the overhead costs of hiring someone full-time.

Understanding Bookkeeper Salaries

Unsurprisingly, the BLS identifies accounting, tax prep, bookkeeping, and payroll services as the cash flow industry that employs the most bookkeepers. Credentials like the CB and CPB certifications may also help bookkeepers develop the superior skills that boost their overall compensation rates. Also, note that the degree-related salaries cover all accounting professionals who hold that degree. She has written about higher education and career development for various online publications since 2016.

Average bookkeeper’s salary by city and state

Accountants make a median annual salary of $81,680, significantly more than the $49,210 that bookkeepers earn. Bookkeepers who want to earn more can become accountants or auditors if Legal E-Billing they complete education requirements for this career. Factors that influence a bookkeeper’s salary include industry, employer, experience, location and education.

• The top 10 percent makes over $64,480 per year, while the bottom 10 percent under $36,887 per year.
• To learn more about the cost of bookkeeping, follow this small business guide.
• An in-house bookkeeper can be beneficial if you need consistent, hands-on support to manage your finances.
• For example, entry-level bookkeepers may earn around $35,000, while those with several years of experience can expect salaries exceeding $50,000.
• Starting any legitimate business takes a lot of hard work and bookkeeping is no different.
• However, if your needs are more complex — e.g., managing payroll — you’ll likely need to hire a more experienced bookkeeper.

This is a pretty good number to expect when obtaining clients, but I should also mention that I have seen bookkeepers earn what is a bookkeeper far more a month per client. It really just depends on what all is involved with the business, but $300 a month is a pretty good number to expect. Online bookkeeping services typically include basic bookkeeping tasks such as transaction recording, bank reconciliation, financial reporting, and tax preparation. While online providers may offer less personalized service compared to traditional firms, they can be a more affordable option for small businesses and startups with limited budgets. As of October 2025, the average salary for a bookkeeper stands at $40,337 annually. Salaries in this profession range based on various factors, including experience, geographic location, and the industry sector.