Accounting and Bookkeeping Salary: How Much Can You Earn

Accounting and bookkeeping salaries can vary widely depending on factors like location, industry, and level of experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for accountants and auditors in the United States is around $74,170.

The salary range for accountants and bookkeepers can be quite broad, from around $40,000 to over $100,000 per year. Experienced professionals in leadership roles can earn upwards of $150,000 annually.

In terms of specific job titles, accounting clerks typically earn between $35,000 and $50,000 per year, while bookkeepers can earn between $40,000 and $60,000.

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The median salary for bookkeepers in the US is $45,860 per year as of 2021.

Bookkeepers can earn an average salary of $44,950 per year, with some earning as high as $50,104 at the 75th percentile.

According to Payscale data from September 2022, bookkeepers may qualify for additional forms of compensation, such as performance bonuses, which can result in a nice earnings boost.

Some bookkeepers report earning between $1,000-$19,000 per year in extra pay between bonuses, profit sharing, and commissions.

As of January 01, 2025, the median salary for bookkeepers has increased from $47,330 in 2023 to approximately $46,388 in 2024.

Here's a breakdown of average salaries for bookkeepers:

As you explore the world of accounting and bookkeeping, you're likely wondering about the salary ranges for these roles. According to Payscale data from September 2022, bookkeepers can earn between $1,000-$19,000 per year in extra pay through bonuses, profit sharing, and commissions.

Bookkeeper salaries vary widely depending on experience, education, and certifications. For example, certifications can increase a bookkeeper's earning power.

The average bookkeeper salary is around $44,950 per year, but it's not uncommon for experienced bookkeepers to earn upwards of $50,104 per year, which is the 75th percentile.

Here's a breakdown of the average salary for bookkeepers at different percentiles:

It's worth noting that salaries can vary depending on the industry and specific job title. For example, a senior bookkeeper can earn up to $53,123 per year, while an assistant bookkeeper may earn around $44,598 per year.

Accounting is a field that requires additional education and training beyond bookkeeping, with accountants earning a median salary of $56,412 as of January 01, 2025.

A bookkeeper's salary is around $45,860 per year, as reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2021.

Accountants have exclusive responsibilities that bookkeepers can't perform, including signing off on year-end accounts, providing tax advice, analyzing financial performance, performing audits, and producing financial forecasts.

Here are some key responsibilities of accountants that bookkeepers don't have:

Bookkeepers can gain qualifications to become accountants and have a good stepping stone for a long-term career in accounting, with a potential median salary of $56,412.

To become an accountant, one typically needs a bachelor's degree in accounting, and can work in various sectors, including private industry, public accounting, government, and nonprofits.

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Payscale reported the national U.S. average rate for bookkeepers at $18.46 per hour in September 2022.

To determine your pricing as a bookkeeper, you should research local average rates to ensure you're competitive in your area.

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Education is a crucial factor that affects bookkeeper salaries. Those with bachelor's degrees in accounting, finance, or business administration tend to command higher pay.

Obtaining certifications like Certified Bookkeeper (CB) or QuickBooks Certified User (QB) can also boost salaries. Continuing education helps bookkeepers stay current on the latest regulations and software, making them more valuable.

For another approach, see: Certified Financial Accountant

Years of experience play a significant role in determining a bookkeeper's salary. As bookkeepers gain more experience, their salaries tend to increase.

Bookkeeper salaries correlate with years of experience, with significant increases seen after 5 years of experience.

In general, bookkeeper salaries range from $35,000 to $45,000 for those with 0-2 years of experience.

Those with 3-5 years of experience can expect to earn between $45,000 and $60,000.

Bookkeepers with 6-10 years of experience typically earn between $55,000 and $75,000.

And those with 10+ years of experience can earn upwards of $70,000.

Here's a breakdown of the salary ranges for bookkeepers based on years of experience:

Having the right education and credentials can significantly impact your pay as a bookkeeper. Those with a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration tend to command higher pay.

Obtaining certifications like Certified Bookkeeper (CB) or QuickBooks Certified User (QB) can also boost your salary. These credentials show that you have the expertise and knowledge to handle complex bookkeeping tasks.

Continuing education is essential to stay current on the latest regulations and software, making you a more valuable asset to your employer. This can lead to higher pay and better job opportunities.

Location plays a significant role in determining salary levels for bookkeepers.

Salaries vary by location, based on factors like local labor market conditions and local living costs.

In areas with high demand and limited supply, employers may increase bookkeeper pay rates to attract the best candidates.

Employers in areas with higher living costs, like the District of Columbia, tend to pay a premium.

According to the BLS, the top-paying states for bookkeepers in May 2021 were:

Some of the top-paying metropolitan areas for bookkeepers include San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, and San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA.

To advance in your accounting or bookkeeping career, look for opportunities to take on more senior roles.

Gaining experience and taking on more responsibility can lead to higher earning potential. A controller role may pay upwards of $150,000, while CFO salaries can exceed $300,000.

To position yourself for management and executive promotions, demonstrate leadership skills and seek out opportunities to oversee teams and manage accounting operations.

Here are some senior roles you can aim for:

To advance in your career, look for opportunities to take on more senior bookkeeping and finance roles. This can be a great way to increase your earning potential and gain new skills.

A head bookkeeper can oversee a team of bookkeepers at an accounting firm or large company finance department. This role requires strong leadership skills and the ability to manage a team.

With experience, you can move up to an accounting manager position, where you'll be responsible for managing the day-to-day accounting operations and personnel of an organization. This role can pay upwards of $150,000.

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As you gain more experience and skills, you can move into a controller role, where you'll take charge of all accounting functions and financial reporting for a company. A controller role can also pay upwards of $150,000.

The highest level of advancement is becoming a chief financial officer (CFO), where you'll be the top financial decision maker in an organization, directing financial strategy. A CFO salary can exceed $300,000.

To position yourself for management and executive promotions, demonstrate leadership skills and be ready to take on more responsibilities. This can include taking on additional projects, mentoring others, and developing new skills.

Here are some examples of senior bookkeeping and finance roles you can aim for:

Being a bookkeeper can be a great starting point for a career in accounting, as it offers a clear path for advancement. Average entry-level salaries for bookkeepers approach $38,000 per year, according to Payscale.

To enter the profession, a two-year or four-year college degree is typically required. This investment can pay off in the long run, as it provides a solid foundation for further career growth.

Many aspiring bookkeepers find the profession appealing due to its stability and potential for advancement. With experience and additional education, bookkeepers can move into higher-paying positions or specialize in a particular area of accounting.

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The industry and job outlook for bookkeepers is quite promising. Bookkeeper salary levels tend to rise when demand outpaces supply, causing employers to increase pay rates to attract top candidates.

According to the BLS, bookkeepers are in high demand, with top-paying states including the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, and Washington. In these states, average annual salaries range from $51,050 to $60,130.

Employers in areas with higher living costs, such as California and Connecticut, also tend to pay a premium to bookkeepers. However, it's essential to consider that these higher living costs may cancel out the financial benefits of increased bookkeeping salaries.

The top-paying metropolitan areas for bookkeepers include San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA, and Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA, with average annual salaries ranging from $54,590 to $59,750.

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Bookkeeper salaries vary by location, influenced by factors like local labor market conditions and living costs.

In areas with high demand and limited supply, employers may increase pay rates to attract top candidates.

The District of Columbia tops the list of top-paying states for bookkeepers, with an average annual salary of $60,130.

Massachusetts, Washington, California, and Connecticut also rank high, with average annual salaries ranging from $51,050 to $53,340.

Rural locations tend to offer lower salaries, while areas with high costs of living and abundant jobs, such as New York City, pay more, with salaries ranging from $50,000 to $55,000 or more.

Here are the top-paying states for bookkeepers, based on BLS data from May 2021:

The job outlook for bookkeepers is promising, with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicting a 7% growth in employment opportunities from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

Bookkeepers can find employment in various industries, with the top employers being accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services, as well as enterprise management. These industries provide specialized services to clients that don't employ bookkeepers internally.

According to the BLS, bookkeepers in the postal service (federal government) earn the highest average annual salary, at $70,350. Other high-paying industries for bookkeepers include metal ore mining, support activities for water transportation, and monetary authorities-central bank.

The median salary for bookkeepers in the US is $45,860 per year, as of 2021, according to the BLS. This salary can vary depending on the company size and industry, with larger companies and high-earning industries paying more.

Here's a breakdown of average annual salaries for bookkeepers in different industries:

Bookkeepers can also consider working for companies that hire for bookkeeper positions, such as those listed in Example 2. These companies may offer salaries ranging from $35,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on the company size and industry.

However, it's worth noting that bookkeepers may face limited growth potential without additional education and training. To advance their careers, bookkeepers can consider gaining qualifications to become accountants, which can lead to higher-paying job opportunities and greater career advancement.