How Much Does a Bookkeeper Cost in 2025: An Ultimate Guide

If you're searching for a "bookkeeper near me," you’re probably wondering: How much does a bookkeeper cost? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Bookkeeping prices depend on where you live, how experienced the bookkeeper is, and what services you need. This guide breaks it all down—state by state, so you can make the best decision for your business or personal finances.

Why You Might Need a Bookkeeper

Before diving into the cost, let’s cover why you might need to hire a bookkeeper in the first place.

To Keep Your Finances Organized

A bookkeeper tracks income, expenses, and bank transactions so everything stays in order.

To Save Time

Bookkeeping takes hours. A pro can free you up to focus on growing your business.

To Stay Compliant

Mistakes in your books can lead to tax issues. A trained bookkeeper helps avoid that.

To Gain Financial Clarity

With accurate records, you can see how your business is really doing.

Some people also hire a bookkeeper for personal bookkeeping—managing household budgets, tracking investments, or even sorting out complicated tax deductions.

Types of Bookkeeping Services

There are different types of bookkeeping options out there:

In-House Bookkeeper

You hire someone as an employee, typically on a full-time or part-time basis.

Freelance Bookkeeper

An independent contractor who may work hourly or per project.

Virtual Bookkeeping Companies

Online firms that provide remote bookkeeping services with cloud-based tools.

Full Charge Bookkeeper

A pro who can handle everything from bank reconciliations to financial reporting.

The option you choose affects the price—and the level of support you get.

How Much Do Bookkeepers Charge Per Hour?

Across the U.S., average hourly rates for bookkeepers range between $20 to $100+. That’s a wide range, right? Let’s break down what impacts these rates:

Geographic Location

States with higher living costs (like California or New York) tend to have higher bookkeeping prices.

Experience Level

A certified or full-charge bookkeeper may charge more but bring a higher level of skill and reliability.

Scope of Work

Payroll, tax filings, and detailed financial reports all drive the price up.

It’s also worth noting that some bookkeepers offer discounted rates for long-term contracts or retainer arrangements. This helps businesses manage their cash flow while still getting consistent financial support.

Bookkeeper Prices by State

Here’s a snapshot of average hourly wages (for in-house roles) across several states:

State	Avg Hourly Rate
California	$28.69
New York	$27.86
Texas	$24.13
Florida	$22.75
Washington	$27.72
Illinois	$25.01
Georgia	$23.90
North Carolina	$22.50
Arizona	$23.70
Colorado	$26.10

These numbers are for salaried or hourly employees. If you’re hiring a freelance bookkeeper or working with bookkeeping companies, the rate can be 1.25 to 1.5 times higher.

What About High-Cost Cities?

In major cities like San Francisco or New York City, it’s not uncommon to see rates go up to $40–$50 per hour for mid-level roles, and even higher for full-charge bookkeeping or CPA-level service.

Lower-Cost States

In rural or low-cost areas—say, parts of Mississippi or South Dakota—you might still find bookkeepers offering hourly rates as low as $18–$22.

States with Specialized Demand

Washington D.C. and Massachusetts are known for higher-cost financial services, where rates can reach $35–$60 per hour depending on the complexity of work. Meanwhile, in states like Indiana or Iowa, businesses might find competent bookkeepers at $20–$30 an hour.

Monthly Bookkeeping Costs

Basic Monthly Packages

• Basic bookkeeping: $200–$500/month

Full-Service Bookkeeping

• Includes payroll, reports, tax prep: $500–$2,500+/month

Factors That Influence Monthly Rates

For small businesses handling fewer than 100 transactions per month, costs are usually on the lower side. But once payroll, inventory, invoicing, and multiple accounts come into play, bookkeeping prices increase fast.

Bookkeeping companies usually offer tiered plans based on:

• Number of bank and credit card accounts
• Number of transactions per month
• Whether payroll and taxes are included
• Software requirements

A virtual bookkeeping company might charge a startup $250/month for a basic plan, but a growing ecommerce business might pay $1,200 or more.

Some providers offer annual plans with slight discounts, and others may offer bundled services that include both bookkeeping and tax preparation to help businesses streamline operations and save money.

Freelancers vs. Bookkeeping Companies

Service Type	Cost Range	Best For
Freelancer	$25–$55/hr	Small businesses, startups
Full-charge bookkeeper	$30–$90/hr	Medium businesses, complex books
Virtual company	$300–$2,500/month	Scaling businesses

Benefits of Freelancers

• Flexibility
• Lower rates
• Personalized service

Benefits of Bookkeeping Companies

• Access to a team
• Consistent service
• Scalable tools

Some business owners start with freelancers and move to firms as they grow. Some firms even offer CFO-level support as your business becomes more complex.

Another benefit of bookkeeping companies is continuity. If a freelancer gets sick or unavailable, your books might be delayed. A company often has backup staff and more resources to keep everything running smoothly.

What Affects Bookkeeping Prices?

Location

Rates vary widely depending on the state or even city.

Experience

A beginner charges less, while someone who’s worked with dozens of clients may demand more.

Certifications

CPAs or QuickBooks ProAdvisors often charge more—but they also bring more.

Scope of Services

Reconciling accounts? Great. Also need payroll, budgeting, or tax planning? That costs more.

Frequency of Service

Do you need monthly help or weekly? Higher frequency = higher cost.

Tools and Software

Bookkeepers using software like QuickBooks, Xero, or NetSuite often price based on the tool's complexity.

Industry Specialization

Ecommerce, construction, or nonprofits may require niche skills and therefore come at a higher price.

Setup or Catch-Up Work

Messy books take time. Expect a one-time fee of $100–$500+ to get things up to date.

Some bookkeepers will also provide a financial assessment during onboarding. This can help identify inefficiencies, find areas of overspending, and set benchmarks for future financial performance.

When to Hire a Bookkeeper

Signs You Might Need One

• You're behind on taxes or scrambling at tax time.
• You don’t know your profit margin.
• You're spending too much time on spreadsheets.
• Your business is growing and getting more complex.
• You're missing deductions or making financial decisions blind.

Even if you’re not ready to hire full-time, many bookkeepers offer:

• Monthly packages
• Project-based pricing
• Cleanup-only services

Some business owners bring in help just before tax season. Others keep a bookkeeper year-round for consistency.

Hiring a bookkeeper early on in your business journey can prevent a lot of pain later. It’s not just about avoiding mistakes, it’s about setting a solid foundation. Clear records also make you more attractive to lenders and investors.

Personal Bookkeeping Services

Who Benefits Most?

• People with multiple income sources
• Families managing large household budgets
• Real estate investors
• Trust or estate managers
• Retirees with diverse investments

Typical Costs

• $25 to $75/hour
• Or $500–$1,000/year for year-end review and tax prep

This kind of service helps you track spending, manage investments, and prepare better for tax time. And yes, it’s worth it even if you’re not rich.

Some personal bookkeepers also help with bill payments, organizing financial records, and even coordinating with your CPA or financial advisor. It’s like having a personal CFO, without the full-time salary.

Choosing the Right Bookkeeper

Let’s be real, cost matters. But so does trust. The right bookkeeper will do more than balance your books. They’ll give you clarity. They’ll save you time. And they’ll help you feel more confident with your money.

Start by asking: Do I want someone local or remote? Do I need weekly help or just a monthly check-in? What’s my budget? What kind of experience or certifications matter to me? Whether you choose a freelancer, a full-charge bookkeeper, or a virtual firm, the key is finding someone who understands your business and your goals.

Look at reviews. Ask for references. Don’t just go with the cheapest option. Go with someone who gives you peace of mind. That’s the value of good bookkeeping.

At Global FPO, we offer expert bookkeeping services across the U.S.—whether you’re a solo founder or running a growing company. From basic bookkeeping to full-charge support, we tailor our packages to meet your budget and business goals.

Looking to hire a bookkeeper you can trust? Reach out today and let’s simplify your books—state by state.

FAQs

1. How much does a bookkeeper cost per hour?

Hourly rates typically range from $20 to $100+, depending on location, experience, and the complexity of the work.

2. What’s the average monthly cost to hire a bookkeeper?
Monthly costs start at around $200 for basic services and can go up to $2,500 or more for full-service bookkeeping.

3. What is a full-charge bookkeeper?
A full-charge bookkeeper manages everything from general bookkeeping and reconciliations to financial reporting and payroll—basically, all day-to-day financial operations short of filing your taxes.

4. Are bookkeeping rates higher in certain states?
Yes. States like California, New York, and Washington typically have higher average rates due to cost of living and demand for financial services.

5. Should I hire a freelancer or go with a bookkeeping company?
Freelancers offer more flexibility and lower rates. Bookkeeping companies provide reliability, a wider range of services, and better continuity for growing businesses.