As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Bookkeeper in the United States is $43,848 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Bookkeeper's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Bookkeeper's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Bookkeeper's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Bookkeeper | 1-3 years | $43,848 |
| Bookkeeper, Sr. | 3-5 years | $48,907 |
| Bookkeeping Manager | 5+ years | $74,163 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Bookkeepers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 2.79% |
| Data Entry | 2.73% |
| Accounting Software | 1.51% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Finance and Accounting
|
$50,425 |
15%
|
|
Continuous Learning
|
$49,548 |
13%
|
|
Financial Reporting
|
$49,110 |
12%
|
|
Consulting
|
$48,671 |
11%
|
|
Analysis
|
$48,671 |
11%
|
|
Property Management
|
$47,794 |
9%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many 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 Bookkeeper with a No Diploma is between $41,745 and $44,467).
Bookkeeper Salaries by Degree Level
| 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% |
Understanding how a 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 March 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a 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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Bookkeeper, Sr. | $48,907 | 12% |
| Adjustment Clerk III | $49,373 | 13% |
| Accounting Clerk III | $54,723 | 25% |
| Plant Controller | $117,393 | 168% |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Bookkeeper and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Bookkeeper job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Bookkeeper's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Bookkeeper earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Bookkeeper is $55,305.
The highest pay for Bookkeeper is $49,858.
The lowest pay for Bookkeeper is $36,504.
Maintains and records a complete and systematic set of business transactions. Balances ledgers, reconciles accounts, and prepares reports to show receipts, expenditures, accounts receivable, and payable. Follows bookkeeping procedures established by the organization. May require an associate degree or equivalent. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.
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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