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Bookkeeping Clerk Salary in the United States

How much does a Bookkeeping Clerk make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Bookkeeping Clerk in the United States is $43,890 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.

However, a Bookkeeping Clerk's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $49,812
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $39,990 to $46,990
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $36,439
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Bookkeeping Clerk Salaries

A Bookkeeping Clerk's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Bookkeeping Clerk Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Bookkeeping Clerks. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $48,590.
  • California: $48,390.
  • Massachusetts: $47,690.

Top Paying Cities for Bookkeeping Clerks

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $55,290
  • San Francisco: $54,690
  • Oakland: $53,590

What Skills Can Increase a Bookkeeping Clerk's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 2.79% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Data Entry (Mentioned in 2.73% Job Postings): Transcribing information into an electronic medium such as a computer or other electronic device.
  • Accounting Software (Mentioned in 1.51% Job Postings): Accounting software makes it easier for business owners to manage financial procedures, performing financial tasks correctly and quickly.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 2.79%
Data Entry 2.73%
Accounting Software 1.51%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Bookkeeping Clerk's salary.

  • Finance and Accounting: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
  • Continuous Learning: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
  • Financial Reporting: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Finance and Accounting $50,474
15%
Continuous Learning $49,596
13%
Financial Reporting $49,157
12%
Get Latest Data

Bookkeeping Clerk Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Bookkeeping Clerk salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $49,049. While startup companies pay approximate $41,490.

Bookkeeping Clerk Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $41,490
Growth Stage 51~500 $43,880
Established 501~5000 $47,363
Enterprise 5000+ $49,049

Bookkeeping Clerk Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Bookkeeping Clerk roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 61% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Bookkeeping Clerk positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Bookkeeping Clerk as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Bookkeeping Clerk

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$54,862$26.025%
Financial Services$52,668$25.020%
Pharmaceuticals$52,668$25.020%
Software & Networking$52,668$25.020%
Energy & Utilities$50,473$24.015%

How Education impacts a Bookkeeping Clerk's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Bookkeeping Clerks enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Bookkeeping Clerk with a No Diploma is between $41,575 and $44,253).

Bookkeeping Clerk Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Bookkeeping Clerk
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.9%
High School 32.7%
Associates 28.6%
Bachelors 33.8%
Masters 3.8%
Doctorate 0.2%
View as Graph

Bookkeeping Clerk Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Bookkeeping Clerk's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$39,990
Average $43,890/year
$46,990
$3,333
Average $3,658/month
$3,916
$769
Average $844/week
$904
$19
Average $21/hour
$23
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $46,990 $3,916 $904 $23
Average $43,890 $3,658 $844 $21
25th Percentile $39,990 $3,333 $769 $19

Bookkeeping Clerk Salary Growth & Career Path

Bookkeeping Clerk

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Bookkeeping Clerk, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Senior Bookkeeper/Accounting Assistant $49,000 12%
Customer Account Adjustments Clerk III $49,400 13%
Accounting Assistant III $54,800 25%
Plant General and Cost Accounting Manager $117,400 167%

Most common benefits for Bookkeeping Clerk

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Bookkeeping Clerk

Here are companies hiring for Bookkeeping Clerk and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Bookkeeping Clerk

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Bookkeeping Clerk?

The Biotechnology industry offers the highest average compensation for Bookkeeping Clerk roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

2. What is the hourly rate for a bookkeeper in the US?

As of January 2025, the average hourly pay for a Bookkeeping Clerk in the United States is approximately $24.31. The salary range typically falls between $19.71 and $27.64 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from $40,290 to $50,190. This reflects the varying levels of experience and responsibilities within the role.

3. Which state employs the most bookkeeping clerks?

California employs the most bookkeeping clerks, with 165,360 positions available. The salary for bookkeeping clerks ranges from $40,290 to $50,190, with a median salary of $44,990. Texas and Florida follow, employing 140,550 and 107,950 clerks, respectively, with similar salary ranges.

4. Do I need a degree to be a bookkeeper?

Most bookkeepers require a high school diploma and some postsecondary education, such as a certificate. While a degree in accounting can enhance your job prospects, it is not always necessary. The salary for bookkeeping clerks typically ranges from $40,290 to $50,190, with a median salary of $44,990, reflecting the importance of skills and experience in this field.

5. Is bookkeeping a low stress job?

Bookkeeping can be a low-stress job, especially for small businesses. It offers flexibility in managing your workload, allowing you to work at your own pace. Additionally, with salaries ranging from $40,290 to $50,190, it provides a stable income while maintaining a manageable work environment.

6. How many hours a week do bookkeepers work?

On average, Bookkeepers generally work around 40 hours per week, aligning with standard full-time schedules. Their salaries range from $40,290 to $50,190, with a median of $44,990. However, workload can fluctuate with financial cycles, tax season, or fiscal year-ends, potentially requiring additional hours.

7. Which clerk's salary is the highest?

The salary data for a Bookkeeping Clerk shows a minimum salary of $40,290, a mid-range salary of $44,990, and a maximum salary of $50,190. Compared to other clerks, the Bookkeeping Clerk's salary may vary, but it generally falls within this range, making it competitive in the clerical job market.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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