Yes, bookkeepers are in demand, with thousands of annual job openings due to worker turnover, but the role is evolving; automation is reducing basic data entry, shifting focus to higher-level analysis, requiring skills in specialized software and advisory functions for strong job prospects. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a slight decline in overall employment for clerks, the sheer volume of openings for replacement, coupled with strong demand from small businesses and a growing financial services market, makes it a solid career with opportunities for growth, especially for those who adapt to tech.
AI is revolutionizing the day-to-day responsibilities of bookkeepers by automating many manual tasks, such as data entry and invoice processing. These technologies not only make processes more efficient, but also provide valuable insights into financial information.
Many people ask if bookkeepers are still needed as technology advances. The job market for bookkeepers might shrink by 6.2% between 2022 and 2032. However, around 197,600 job openings show up each year when people retire or switch jobs. Right now, about 38,481 bookkeeper positions are open across the United States.
Overall, bookkeeping can be a stable and rewarding career with a clear path for growth. Given your situation and family support, it seems like a great option to explore.
According to our salary calculator, the average annual salary for Bookkeepers working in London is £28,000 - £38,000.
Their expertise extends to tax law, financial analysis, and regulatory compliance, equipping them to handle more complex financial tasks. Accountants also earn a higher salary than bookkeepers on average ($79,880 vs. $47,440, as shown above by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
The 150-hour requirement is seen as a barrier to entry. Accounting is perceived as boring. Compensation is lower than for other majors such as finance and technology. A lack of diversity seems apparent.
Repetitive Tasks
Tasks such as data entry, reconciling accounts, and processing invoices can become monotonous over time. For those who thrive on variety and creativity, this aspect of the job might be less fulfilling.
Getting bookkeeping clients might seem hard at first, but there are ways to make it easier. You can use both technology and real-life ways to connect with people, show them what you're good at, and get them interested in working with you.
Take a look at some of these stats and trends: Bookkeepers are ranked among the top 15 most in-demand jobs in the U.S. for 2025. The unemployment rate for bookkeepers was just 1.7% in late 2024, well below the national average.
A bookkeeper's salary in the U.S. varies, but averages around $49,000 to $50,000 annually, or roughly $24/hour, with ranges from about $35,000 for entry-level to over $70,000 for experienced professionals, influenced by location, skills, and certifications. The median pay is close to $49,210 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with top earners exceeding $72,660.
Bookkeepers are not required to have certifications or specific education unless required by a specific employer. So, a high school diploma or GED is typically enough to get started. But many employers require additional education, such as a college degree.
Will AI replace accountants? Not entirely—but it will change accounting. Firms that embrace AI and technology will attract forward-thinking clients and top talent. Accountants who pair their expertise with AI tools will stay ahead of the curve.
Accountants tend to be predominantly conventional individuals, meaning that they are usually detail-oriented and organized, and like working in a structured environment. They also tend to be enterprising, which means that they are usually quite natural leaders who thrive at influencing and persuading others.
Accounting Today reported that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 5% decline in bookkeeping, accounting and auditing jobs by 2023 due to technological advancements. These factors make students question the long-term viability of accounting as a career.
Bookkeepers are not required to have formal certifications; however, many have training or experience in accounting software and business finance. A CPA is a licensed professional who has passed the Uniform CPA exam and met additional state-specific requirements.
The accounting pyramid organizes accounting-related job titles into a hierarchy that ranks them by responsibilities and deliverables, with bookkeepers at the bottom, accountants in the middle, and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at the top.
Many bookkeepers charge an hourly rate. This averages around $25 to $100 per hour. This all depends on things like their education, work experience, and the tasks they are expected to perform on the job, in addition to standard accounting functions.
Not Chasing Late Payments. Failing to Keep Relevant Receipts. Carelessness When Bookkeeping. Combining Business And Personal Expenses. Using Manual Accounting Systems.