Choose from a wide range of CV templates and customize the design with a single click.
Use ATS-optimised CV and resume templates that pass applicant tracking systems. Our CV builder helps recruiters read, scan, and shortlist your CV faster.
Use professional field-tested resume templates that follow the exact CV rules employers look for.
Create CV
Use professional field-tested resume templates that follow the exact CV rules employers look for.
Create CVIf you’re researching bookkeeper salary US, you’re likely trying to understand more than just averages. You want to know: What can I realistically earn, how does bookkeeping pay compare across industries, and how can I increase my income?
Bookkeeping is one of the most flexible finance careers in the United States. Compensation ranges widely depending on experience, certifications, software expertise, and whether you work in-house, for an accounting firm, or run your own freelance bookkeeping business.
This guide breaks down average salary bookkeeper USA, total compensation, and how top earners significantly outperform the average.
Entry-level bookkeeper salary: $40,000 – $55,000
Mid-level bookkeeper salary: $55,000 – $75,000
Senior bookkeeper salary: $75,000 – $100,000
Top 10% bookkeeper salary: $100,000 – $140,000+
Median base salary: ~$58,000 per year
Average total compensation: $60,000 – $75,000
Freelance / business owners: $80,000 – $150,000+
$40,000 – $55,000
Basic responsibilities: data entry, reconciliations, accounts payable/receivable
Often requires supervision
Recruiter Insight: Entry-level salaries are heavily influenced by software skills. Candidates proficient in QuickBooks, Xero, or NetSuite can command higher starting salaries.
$55,000 – $75,000
Handles full-cycle bookkeeping
Increased autonomy and reporting responsibilities
$45,000 – $70,000
Most common role
Limited earning ceiling
$60,000 – $90,000
Handles entire accounting cycle
Higher responsibility = higher pay
Entry-level: $3,300 – $4,600/month
Mid-level: $4,600 – $6,200/month
Senior: $6,200 – $8,500+/month
Key Insight: Bookkeeping has a relatively low barrier to entry, which caps salaries in traditional roles. However, income potential expands dramatically when transitioning to freelance or niche specialization.
Ownership of financial records
Ability to manage multiple accounts
Strong accuracy and compliance track record
$75,000 – $100,000
Oversees financial operations
May supervise junior staff
$100,000 – $140,000+
Multiple clients or bookkeeping firm ownership
What separates them:
Specialized industries (e.g., eCommerce, SaaS)
Monthly retainers instead of hourly billing
Strong client acquisition systems
$55,000 – $85,000
Specialized compliance knowledge
$70,000 – $120,000+
Expertise in Shopify, Amazon, Stripe
High demand due to complexity
$50,000 – $90,000
Often freelance or contract-based
Recruiter Insight: Remote bookkeepers with niche expertise often out-earn in-house employees due to pricing flexibility.
Bookkeeping roles are typically salary-based, with limited bonuses compared to finance or sales roles.
Primary compensation component
Fixed annual income
Annual bonuses: $2,000 – $8,000
Performance bonuses tied to accuracy or efficiency
Rare signing bonuses ($1,000 – $5,000)
Health insurance (valued at $8,000 – $15,000/year)
401k with employer match (3–5%)
Paid time off (10–20 days)
Remote work flexibility (high-value non-cash benefit)
Example:
$500/month per client × 20 clients = $10,000/month
Annual revenue ≈ $120,000
Net income ≈ $90,000 – $110,000
Key Insight: Freelance bookkeeping transforms income from capped salary to scalable business revenue.
New York City: $65,000 – $95,000
San Francisco: $70,000 – $100,000
Los Angeles: $65,000 – $90,000
Chicago: $55,000 – $80,000
Dallas: $50,000 – $75,000
Atlanta: $50,000 – $70,000
Recruiter Insight: Remote bookkeeping is reducing geographic salary differences, especially for freelance professionals.
QuickBooks = baseline
NetSuite, SAP, Xero = premium pay
Data entry vs full financial ownership
Reporting and forecasting increase value
SaaS and eCommerce pay more
Small local businesses pay less
In-house: stable but capped
Agency: moderate pay
Freelance: highest ceiling
Certified Bookkeeper (AIPB)
QuickBooks Certification
CPA pathway (major salary boost)
Weak Example: Only handling invoices and receipts
Good Example: Managing financial reports, forecasting, and advising clients
eCommerce
SaaS startups
Real estate
Monthly retainers instead of hourly rates
Multiple income streams
Shift from hourly ($25–$40/hour) to value-based pricing
Offer packaged services
Move toward staff accountant or controller roles
Significant salary jump potential
Most companies have fixed ranges:
Entry-level roles = limited negotiation
Senior roles = more flexibility
Weak Example: “I have experience in bookkeeping.”
Good Example: “I’ve managed full-cycle bookkeeping for 5+ clients and improved reporting accuracy by 30%.”
Remote work
Flexible hours
Professional development budget
Employers respond best to data-backed negotiation:
Industry benchmarks
Competing offers
Strong demand due to small business growth
Increasing need for financial compliance
Basic bookkeeping tasks are being automated
Higher-value advisory roles are growing
Moderate growth (2–4% annually)
Higher growth for specialized and freelance professionals
A bookkeeper in the US can realistically expect:
$45,000 – $70,000 in traditional roles
$70,000 – $100,000 with experience and specialization
$100,000+ through freelance or business ownership
The key to higher earnings is not just experience — it’s specialization, software expertise, and transitioning from employee to service provider.
Upload CV
Import from Linkedin
