What is a bookkeeper's hourly rate?

Asked by: Dannie Watsica  |  Last update: June 9, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (62 votes)

Bookkeeper hourly rates in the U.S. typically range from $20 to $60 per hour, with an average around $23-$25 per hour, depending heavily on experience, location, and complexity of tasks. Certified or specialized bookkeepers often charge $75–$100+ per hour, while basic, freelance, or remote services may be found for less.

How much are bookkeepers paid in Canada?

Entry-level positions start at $45,006 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $65,627 per year.

How do I price myself as a bookkeeper?

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.

How much do freelance bookkeepers get paid?

So, it's hard to say exactly what you can earn as a freelance bookkeeper in the UK. But a typical hourly rate would be between £10-£25 depending on experience. The average hourly pay for a bookkeeper in the UK is calculated at £11.89 by Payscale, with annual salaries between £18,000 and £36,000.

How much do self employed bookkeepers charge per hour in Canada?

Here's a rough guide: For small businesses, expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $2,000 per month. Freelance bookkeepers might charge $30 to $90 per hour. Online bookkeeping services often offer tiered pricing, starting from as low as $200 per month for basic services.

How To Become a Bookkeeper At Home W/ NO EXPERIENCE

30 related questions found

What is the minimum salary for a bookkeeper?

Entry-level bookkeepers can earn between £18,000 and £22,000 annually, with opportunities for pay increases as you gain experience and qualifications.

What are common bookkeeping mistakes?

Not Chasing Late Payments. Failing to Keep Relevant Receipts. Carelessness When Bookkeeping. Combining Business And Personal Expenses. Using Manual Accounting Systems.

Who makes more, a bookkeeper or an accountant?

For example, an accountant with a year or two of experience might earn $60,000 per year while a bookkeeper will earn less than $30,000 per year. More experienced accountants will be able to earn higher salaries but bookkeepers will not see significant salary increases.

How much can you charge an hour for bookkeeping?

Across the UK, most bookkeepers charge an hourly rate. For 2025 to 2026, typical hourly fees range from £20 to £55 per hour. Lower rates usually come from new or less experienced bookkeepers. Higher rates often reflect greater experience, advanced software skills, and more complex work.

How should I price my bookkeeping services?

You can charge anywhere from $25 to $100+ per hour, or use flat monthly packages from $300 to $2,500+, depending on experience, services (payroll, reconciliation), number of transactions, bank accounts, and client complexity, with common pricing models including hourly, fixed monthly, per-transaction ($0.50-$1.25), or tiered packages. 

Does a bookkeeper pay invoices?

It's usually bookkeepers who make payments on behalf of your small business. This can include anything from payment of supplier invoices, petty cash and expenses.

What is the golden rule of bookkeeping?

The three golden rules of accounting are to (1) debit the receiver and credit the giver, (2) debit what comes in and credit what goes out, and (3) debit expenses and losses, credit income and gains. What are the three types of accounts? The three golden rules of accounting apply to real, personal, and nominal accounts.

How much should a bookkeeper charge per transaction?

That's why your firm needs to know exactly what you are going to record and track. To do that, ask your clients questions like how many accounts they have and how many deposits they make per month. With this approach, you should ideally charge anywhere between $0.50 to $1.25 for each transaction.

Is bookkeeping a legit side hustle?

Yes, bookkeeping is widely considered an excellent side hustle due to its flexibility, consistent demand, low startup costs, and potential for good income, allowing you to work remotely on your own schedule, though it requires learning the basics and managing tech/security. It's ideal for leveraging skills for extra income while balancing other commitments, but be prepared for technology and client management. 

How much does it cost to have someone do your bookkeeping?

Bookkeepers typically charge $25 to $100 per hour, or a monthly flat fee of $250 to $2,500, depending on experience, business size, transaction volume, and location, with many small businesses budgeting 1-3% of revenue. Rates vary, with more complex needs (like payroll, analysis) or experienced pros costing more, while online or tiered packages offer different price points.