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Full Charge Bookkeeper Salary in the United States

How much does a Full Charge Bookkeeper make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Full Charge Bookkeeper in the United States is $43,830 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.

However, a Full Charge Bookkeeper's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $49,829
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $39,980 to $46,970
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $36,475

Key Factors That Influence Full Charge Bookkeeper Salaries

A Full Charge Bookkeeper'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.

Top Paying Cities for Full Charge Bookkeepers

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: $55,280
  • San Francisco: $54,680
  • Oakland: $53,530

What Skills Can Increase a Full Charge Bookkeeper'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%

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 Full Charge Bookkeeper'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 $50,405
15%
Continuous Learning $49,528
13%
Financial Reporting $49,090
12%

Full Charge Bookkeeper Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Full Charge Bookkeeper salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $48,982. While startup companies pay approximate $41,434.

Full Charge Bookkeeper Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $41,434
Growth Stage 51~500 $43,820
Established 501~5000 $47,298
Enterprise 5000+ $48,982

Full Charge Bookkeeper Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Full Charge Bookkeeper 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, Full Charge Bookkeeper positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Full Charge Bookkeeper as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Full Charge Bookkeeper

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$54,788$26.025%
Financial Services$52,596$25.020%
Pharmaceuticals$52,596$25.020%
Software & Networking$52,596$25.020%
Energy & Utilities$50,404$24.015%

How Education impacts a Full Charge Bookkeeper's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Full Charge Bookkeepers 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 Full Charge Bookkeeper with a No Diploma is between $41,534 and $44,241).

Full Charge Bookkeeper Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Full Charge Bookkeeper
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%

Full Charge Bookkeeper Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Full Charge Bookkeeper'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
$39,980
Average $43,830/year
$46,970
$3,332
Average $3,653/month
$3,914
$769
Average $843/week
$903
$19
Average $21/hour
$23
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $46,970 $3,914 $903 $23
Average $43,830 $3,653 $843 $21
25th Percentile $39,980 $3,332 $769 $19

Full Charge Bookkeeper Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Full Charge Bookkeeper, 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.

Full Charge Bookkeeper Salary Growth and Career Path
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 $117,400 168%

Most common benefits for Full Charge Bookkeeper

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

Common company salaries for Full Charge Bookkeeper

Here are companies hiring for Full Charge Bookkeeper and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Full Charge Bookkeeper

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Full Charge Bookkeeper?

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

2. How many hours should a client bookkeeping take?

On average, small businesses typically require 10-15 hours of bookkeeping each month. If billing is managed in-house, this can increase to about 25 hours monthly. Considering the salary range for a Full Charge Bookkeeper, which is between $40,240 and $50,110 annually, clients can expect to invest in quality bookkeeping services that align with these time commitments.

3. How do I price myself as a bookkeeper?

To price yourself as a bookkeeper, consider an hourly rate between $19.33 and $24.10, reflecting the salary range for a Full Charge Bookkeeper. Calculate your rate based on your fixed costs and desired profit margin. The total fee will depend on the hours worked, ensuring you cover expenses while achieving your profit goals.

4. How much do private bookkeepers make?

Private bookkeepers typically earn between $40,240 and $50,110 annually, with a median salary of around $44,960. Salaries can vary significantly based on location and experience, with some metropolitan areas offering higher averages, such as San Jose at $59,750 and San Francisco at $58,670.

5. What is a full charge bookkeeper?

A full charge bookkeeper is responsible for managing all accounting needs of a business. This includes maintaining the business ledger, preparing financial statements and tax returns, recording complex transactions, and processing timesheets and payroll. Salaries for full charge bookkeepers typically range from $40,240 to $50,110, with a median salary of $44,960.

6. What state pays bookkeepers the most?

The highest-paying states for Full Charge Bookkeepers include the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, California, New York, and Washington. While the average salaries in these states can be significantly higher, Full Charge Bookkeepers typically earn between $40,240 and $50,110, with a mid-salary of $44,960.

7. What is a good rate to charge for bookkeeping?

A good rate to charge for bookkeeping typically falls between $40,240 and $50,110 annually, translating to an hourly rate of approximately $19 to $24. Factors influencing this rate include the bookkeeper's education, experience, and the complexity of tasks involved. Rates may vary based on location and specific client needs.

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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