How much does a Bookkeeper make?

The average salary for a Bookkeeper is $48,838 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 7223 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Bookkeeper employees in United States.

The highest salary for a Bookkeeper in United States is $60,018 per year.

The lowest salary for a Bookkeeper in United States is $39,863 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming a Bookkeeper or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of a Bookkeeper.

Bookkeeper roles provide a professional working environment and exposure to corporate financial decision-making to candidates without high barriers to entry. Pay is in line with other office positions that do not require bachelor’s degrees, such as executive assistants and receptionists. Bookkeepers working in urban regions, as well as those with a relevant associate’s degree or more work experience, are typically paid the highest salaries.

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Bookkeepers ranked their salary satisfaction on Glassdoor, and approximately 70% describe themselves as satisfied. It's a profession with growth potential, and a bachelor's degree in accounting, experience, and industry-specific skills boost earnings. Professionals also have the potential to earn $2,424.92 of additional pay every year.

The average bookkeeper career path features an earnings range between $33,221.60 and $72,146.24, with an average of $48,837.85. After gaining a feel for the job and furthering your education with a bachelor's degree, however, you can progress to an upper-level position as a senior bookkeeper, which averages a higher annual salary and total pay.

If you want more money from your career as a bookkeeper, hone the field's most in-demand skills. Your organization, attention to detail, time management, and communication should stand out among other professionals, and you should be well-versed in Microsoft Office Suite, invoicing, accounts payable, spreadsheets, error correction, and numeracy. Choosing a specialty in the field and gaining experience is the most important step, and you can gain additional knowledge through internships, part-time jobs, or remote roles. The more experience you have, the more your salary rises. Earning a bachelor's degree or higher in accounting will also help you stand out to potential employers while scoring you a higher salary.

If you're starting your first job as a bookkeeper, your negotiating power is limited, so focus on similar roles, experience, and education to demonstrate your value. The field places an emphasis on experience, so you earn more negotiating power the longer you remain in the role. Those who work in a major industry and are actively sought out by recruiters can ask for a higher salary. Aim for a range between 5 and 10%, always let them ask first, and bring benefits into the deal. Know the average salary for bookkeepers in your area, and back up why you're worth the raise with research and demonstration of what you've achieved.