Bookkeepers maintain financial records for businesses, recording transactions, reconciling accounts, producing financial statements, and supporting payroll processing.
As of 2026, the median annual wage for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks is approximately $45,860 per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Bookkeeping is widely available across industries, and many bookkeepers work part-time or as independent contractors for small businesses.
Certification through the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) or NACPB can increase earning potential. For a view of what the next career step looks like, see the accountant salary page and review what a bookkeeper does.
Bookkeeper Salary Overview
The BLS groups bookkeepers with accounting and auditing clerks. The median annual wage is approximately $45,860. The bottom 10% earn around $30,000, while the top 10% earn more than $65,000.
Self-employed bookkeepers serving multiple small business clients may earn significantly more per hour than their employed counterparts.
For context, the accountant salary median is approximately $79,880 — showing the significant pay premium that comes with CPA credentials and advanced accounting responsibilities.
Understanding salary negotiation when seeking a raise or transitioning to a new employer can make a meaningful difference even at the bookkeeper level.
To see exactly how wages like $50 an hour translate to annual, monthly, and after-tax take-home, our guide on $50 an hour is how much a year breaks down every pay period. For other rates in the range above, browse our hourly wage conversion guide index.
Employed vs. Self-Employed Bookkeeper Pay
Bookkeepers employed full-time by a single company earn a stable salary plus benefits.
Self-employed bookkeepers charge hourly rates typically ranging from $20 to $50 per hour or monthly retainer fees.
Independent bookkeepers working remotely for multiple clients can sometimes earn more than their employed counterparts while maintaining flexible schedules.
Self-employed bookkeepers should plan for self-employment tax and variable income — building an adequate emergency fund is especially important without a paycheck safety net.
Contributing to a IRA account or Roth IRA independently (since there's no employer-sponsored plan) is also essential for retirement planning.
Certifications That Increase Pay
The Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) credential from the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers and the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designation from the AIPB are recognized credentials that can increase earning potential.
QuickBooks ProAdvisor certification is also valued by clients and employers.
Many bookkeepers use certification as a stepping stone toward becoming an accountant or CPA — a path explored in detail at how to become an accountant.
Understanding what a CPA does differently from a bookkeeper can also help motivate credential investment decisions.
Job Outlook
The BLS projects employment of bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks to decline by approximately 5% through 2032, as accounting software automates routine tasks.
However, demand for experienced bookkeepers who can interpret data, manage relationships with clients, and handle more complex financial situations remains strong.
Bookkeepers who advance to accounting roles or earn CPA credentials can expect substantially better job security and pay — the accountant salary and tax preparer salary pages show related career paths.
Geography also matters for pay: bookkeepers in California and New York tend to earn above the national median, though the higher living costs in those states must be factored in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a bookkeeper in 2026?
The median annual wage for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks is approximately $45,860 per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Compare with the accountant salary to see the earnings potential of advancing to a licensed accounting role.
Can bookkeepers earn more working independently?
Many independent bookkeepers charge $20–$50 per hour and serve multiple clients, potentially earning more than employed counterparts while working flexible hours.
What certifications help bookkeepers earn more?
The Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) and Certified Bookkeeper (CB) credentials, as well as QuickBooks ProAdvisor certification, are commonly valued by employers and clients.
What software skills do bookkeepers need?
QuickBooks is the most widely used small business accounting software. FreshBooks, Xero, and Sage are also commonly used. Proficiency in Excel is generally expected as well.
Is bookkeeping a good career choice?
Bookkeeping offers stable demand across all industries, flexibility for remote and self-employed arrangements, and a practical entry point into accounting careers.
Employment is projected to decline slightly due to automation, but experienced bookkeepers remain in demand.
For career advancement context, review what a bookkeeper does and how to become an accountant.
Sources & References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks — https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/bookkeeping-accounting-and-auditing-clerks.htm
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — Bookkeeping Clerks — https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes433031.htm
- National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers — CPB Credential — https://www.nacpb.org/certification/certified-public-bookkeeper/
Last updated: April 27, 2026