Bookkeeper Salary in the United States
Based on 1.4M+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$50,589
$24.32/hr
Salary Range
$36K – $71K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
1.4M
workers nationwide
The median Bookkeeper salary in the United States is $50,589 per year, which translates to approximately $24 per hour. This figure reflects the typical earnings for bookkeepers across the nation, with a significant number of professionals in this field contributing to the financial operations of businesses. The overall employment for bookkeepers is substantial, indicating a consistent demand for these essential accounting support roles.
Several factors influence the Bookkeeper salary in the United States. These include the level of experience, specific industry, geographic location, and the size and type of the employing organization. Entry-level positions will generally fall at the lower end of the salary range, while seasoned professionals in high-cost-of-living areas or specialized industries may command salaries closer to the upper limit of $70,543.
Salary Distribution — Bookkeeper
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,008 |
| 25th percentile | $42,868 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $50,589 |
| 75th percentile | $60,091 |
| 90th percentile | $70,543 |
Bookkeeper Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Bookkeeper
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | $65,180 | +28.8% | 2K |
| 2 | Connecticut | $59,970 | +18.5% | 15K |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $59,830 | +18.3% | 29K |
| 4 | California | $59,230 | +17.1% | 152K |
| 5 | Washington | $58,620 | +15.9% | 33K |
| 6 | New Jersey | $58,300 | +15.2% | 38K |
| 7 | New York | $58,160 | +15.0% | 84K |
| 8 | Alaska | $56,430 | +11.5% | 5K |
| 9 | Vermont | $54,720 | +8.2% | 3K |
| 10 | Minnesota | $54,600 | +7.9% | 27K |
Bookkeeper Salary by Industry
How much Bookkeepers earn across industries nationwide — Utilities pays the most ($60,070 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utilities | $60,070 | +18.7% | 5K |
| 2 | Construction | $54,890 | +8.5% | 117K |
| 3 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $52,780 | +4.3% | 91K |
| 4 | Manufacturing | $52,640 | +4.1% | 92K |
| 5 | Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $52,400 | +3.6% | 58K |
| 6 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $51,880 | +2.6% | 205K |
| 7 | Information | $51,550 | +1.9% | 22K |
| 8 | Educational Services | $51,200 | +1.2% | 70K |
| 9 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $51,200 | +1.2% | 71K |
| 10 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $50,910 | +0.6% | 6K |
| 11 | Finance and Insurance | $50,750 | +0.3% | 83K |
| 12 | Wholesale Trade | $50,660 | +0.1% | 101K |
| 13 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $50,510 | -0.2% | 65K |
| 14 | Transportation and Warehousing | $50,480 | -0.2% | 40K |
| 15 | Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | $50,330 | -0.5% | 4K |
| 16 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $49,860 | -1.4% | 98K |
| 17 | Administrative and Support Services | $49,580 | -2.0% | 88K |
| 18 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $48,200 | -4.7% | 19K |
| 19 | Retail Trade | $45,830 | -9.4% | 103K |
| 20 | Accommodation and Food Services | $45,140 | -10.8% | 36K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Historical Salary Trend — Bookkeeper
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $50,589 |
| 2026 (projected) | $52,107 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Bookkeeper Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $42,868 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $50,589 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $60,091 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $70,543 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a bookkeeper in the US?
- The salary range for bookkeepers in the United States typically falls between $36,008 and $70,543 annually. The median salary for this profession is $50,589 per year, providing a good benchmark for expected earnings.
How much does a bookkeeper earn on average per hour?
- On average, bookkeepers in the United States earn about $24 per hour. This hourly rate aligns with the median annual salary of $50,589.
Which state pays bookkeepers the most?
- The District of Columbia is currently the highest-paying state for bookkeepers, with an average salary of $65,180 per year. This figure is significantly above the national median of $50,589.
Is there a high demand for bookkeepers in the US?
- Yes, there is a substantial demand for bookkeepers, with over 1,373,720 employed across the nation. This indicates a robust job market for professionals in this field, with salaries generally ranging from $36,008 to $70,543.