Yes, bookkeepers can absolutely make six figures, especially by specializing in a niche, focusing on high-value services like setups and consulting, building a strong client base, and potentially owning their own firm, though achieving it often requires significant effort in marketing and client acquisition, with some solo bookkeepers earning over $100k annually.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average bookkeeper makes about 40,000 USD per year. However, the most successful bookkeeping businesses can make their owners 100,000 USD per year or even more.
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).
Median Salary for Ages 25-34
For Americans ages 25 to 34, the median salary is $1,150 per week or $59,800 per year. That's a big jump from the median salary for 20- to 24-year-olds. As a general rule, earnings tend to rise in your 20s and 30s as you start to climb the career ladder.
The upper bound of what's considered middle class for households exceeds $100,000 in every U.S. state, according to a SmartAsset analysis of 2023 income data, the most recent available from the U.S. Census Bureau.
How Much Income Do You Need to Be in the Top 20%? The real median household income in the U.S. was around $83,730 in 2024, according to the Census Bureau data published in September 2025. In order to be in the top 20% of income, you'd need to earn double that amount: 175,700 per year.
Fast-forward a few years, and Erica now runs an accounting practice making over $200,000 yearly—on less than 15 hours of work per week.
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.
According to our salary calculator, the average annual salary for Bookkeepers working in London is £28,000 - £38,000.
Being a Bookkeeper can be stressful as the role demands total accuracy with little to no room for error. As a Bookkeeper, you'll need excellent attention to detail — down to every decimal point.
Some workers begin earning six figures in their twenties and thirties. Economists nickname them HENRYs, for “high earners, not rich yet.” But for most people, their “peak earning years” are from age 35 to 64.
In fact, here are not one but ten different careers that can lead to a lifetime of excitement that are more than worth exploring.
Summary. The accounting field offers significant earning potential, with seven high-level careers—led by the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), which averages up to $570,579 annually—that require substantial experience and key credentials like the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.
A bookkeeper primarily records and organizes financial transactions (like data entry, invoicing, payroll setup), but cannot provide strategic financial analysis, offer tax advice, conduct official audits, make financial decisions for the business, or file taxes (unless they have special certifications like an EA or CPA). Their role ends at data compilation, whereas accountants interpret that data for bigger picture strategy, forecasting, and high-level compliance.
Most states require 150 credit hours for licensure, necessitating extra coursework beyond a bachelor's degree. The notoriously low CPA exam pass rate of 50% adds to the uncertainty, making students hesitant to invest in this career path. To attract more students, universities and the accounting profession must evolve.
There are many professionals who earn an associate degree in accounting in order to become bookkeepers. This path allows them to get their foot in the door while earning a good entry-level salary. Plus, associate degree credits can be applied toward bachelor's degrees when a bookkeeper is ready to advance.