How Much Do Bookkeepers Charge? A State-by-State Breakdown

If you are 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:

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

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 tools 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 are
  behind on taxes or scrambling at tax time.
• You
  don’t know your profit margin.
• You are
  spending too much time on spreadsheets.
• Your
  business is growing and getting more complex.
• You are
  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.