Bookkeeper Salary
by City (2026)
Record financial transactions, maintain ledgers, and reconcile bank statements. National median: $48K/year. See how your city compares.
Bookkeeper salary by city
Sorted by median salaryCOL-adjusted: where does your salary go furthest?
A $48K Bookkeeper salary in Houston (COL 91, no tax) has significantly more purchasing power than the same salary in San Francisco (COL 224, 9.3% state tax). Use our calculator to see the real numbers.
Try COL Calculator βBookkeeper Salary Guide (2026)
The national median salary for a Bookkeeper is $48,000 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at $38,000, while experienced professionals in the top 25% earn $60,000 or more. The highest-paid 10% of Bookkeepers nationally earn $76,000+.
Education and requirements
Associate's; QuickBooks certification. This role is 55% remote-eligible nationally, which significantly expands the geographic job market for workers in lower cost-of-living cities.
Salary growth outlook
Bookkeeper compensation is growing at 1% annually, near the national average wage growth rate.
Bookkeeper salary FAQ
How much does a Bookkeeper make?
The median Bookkeeper salary in the US is $48,000 per year β about $23/hour. Most earn between $38,000 (25th percentile) and $60,000 (75th percentile).
What is the starting salary for a Bookkeeper?
Entry-level Bookkeeper positions typically start around $38,000 per year. Pay rises with experience, specialization, and location.
How much do the highest-paid Bookkeepers earn?
The top 10% of Bookkeepers earn $76,000 or more per year β usually senior, lead, or specialized professionals in high-cost or high-demand markets.
Which city pays Bookkeepers the most?
San Francisco has the highest median Bookkeeper salary at $72K among the cities we track. But high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York often have lower real purchasing power once cost of living and taxes are factored in.
Are Bookkeeper salaries going up?
Yes β Bookkeeper pay is growing about 1% year over year, near the US average wage-growth rate.