How Much Does a Bookkeeper Make? USA & Europe Salary Insights

Bookkeeper Salary

Introduction

Bookkeeping may not sound as glamorous as investment banking or corporate law, but it is the backbone of every successful business. Bookkeepers ensure financial accuracy, maintain records, and help businesses comply with tax and reporting obligations. Because of this critical role, many people often ask: “How much does a bookkeeper actually make?”
The answer depends on location, experience, and whether the bookkeeper works in-house, freelance, or as part of an accounting firm. In this blog, we’ll break down the earning potential of bookkeepers in the United States and across European countries, while also exploring the factors that influence income.

Bookkeeper Salary in the USA

In the United States, bookkeeping is considered a stable career with clear growth opportunities, especially for those who transition into accounting or financial analysis.

Average Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual wage for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks is around $45,560 (approx. $21.90 per hour).
Entry-level bookkeepers typically earn $30,000–$38,000 per year, while experienced professionals and certified bookkeepers can make $55,000–$65,000+ annually.

Salaries by Location

Bookkeeper salaries vary across states:

New York & California: $50,000–$60,000 per year (higher demand and cost of living).
Texas & Florida: $40,000–$48,000 per year.
Midwestern states: Often around $38,000–$45,000 per year.

Experience Levels

Entry-Level (0–2 years): $16–$18 per hour (~$35,000/year).
Mid-Level (3–5 years): $20–$24 per hour (~$45,000/year).
Senior (6+ years or with certifications like CB/CPA): $25–$32 per hour (~$55,000–$67,000/year).

Freelance Bookkeeping in the USA

Freelancers can set higher hourly rates depending on expertise:

Beginner freelancers: $20–$30/hr.
Experienced freelancers: $40–$70/hr.
Specialized (e.g., tax-focused or niche industries): $80+/hr.

This flexibility makes freelancing a popular choice for bookkeepers in the U.S.

Bookkeeper Salary in Europe

Europe offers diverse opportunities for bookkeepers, but pay varies widely depending on the country’s economy, demand for skilled professionals, and living costs.

United Kingdom (UK)

Average annual salary: £25,000–£32,000.
Entry-level bookkeepers start around £20,000/year, while experienced professionals in London can make £35,000–£45,000/year.
Freelancers typically charge £15–£35/hr.

Germany

Average annual salary: €30,000–€40,000.
Larger cities like Munich, Frankfurt, and Berlin offer salaries closer to €45,000+.
Freelancers can make €25–€50/hr depending on specialization.

France

Average bookkeeper salary: €28,000–€36,000 per year.
In Paris, senior bookkeepers often earn €40,000–€45,000.
Freelance rates: €20–€40/hr.

Ireland

Average salary: €32,000–€40,000/year.
Senior bookkeepers and payroll-focused specialists earn €45,000+.
Freelance rates: €20–€45/hr.

Netherlands

Salaries range between €30,000–€42,000/year.
Amsterdam and Rotterdam pay higher, up to €48,000.
Freelance charges: €30–€50/hr.

Spain & Italy

Average salaries are lower compared to Northern Europe.
Spain: €20,000–€28,000/year, with Madrid and Barcelona paying closer to €30,000–€35,000.
Italy: €22,000–€30,000/year.

Nordic Countries (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland)

Known for high wages and strong work-life balance.
Average bookkeeper salary: €40,000–€55,000/year.
Freelancers can earn €40–€70/hr.

Factors Affecting Bookkeeper Salaries

1. Experience & Certification

Beginners earn less, while certified bookkeepers (e.g., AAT in the UK, CPA in the USA) command higher salaries.

2. Industry

Bookkeepers in finance, IT, and healthcare sectors typically earn more than those in retail or hospitality.

3. Location

Metropolitan areas with higher living costs pay more. Example: London bookkeepers earn more than rural counterparts.

4. Freelance vs. In-House

Freelancers often earn more per hour but must handle taxes, client acquisition, and inconsistent workloads.

5. Technology Skills

Knowledge of QuickBooks, Xero, SAP, or Oracle boosts income significantly.
Bookkeepers skilled in automation and cloud accounting are in higher demand.

Country	Entry-Level (per year)	Experienced (per year)	Freelance (per hour)
USA	$35,000–$40,000	$55,000–$65,000+	$20–$70
UK	£20,000–£25,000	£35,000–£45,000	£15–£35
Germany	€28,000–€32,000	€40,000–€50,000	€25–€50
France	€25,000–€30,000	€40,000–€45,000	€20–€40
Ireland	€28,000–€32,000	€40,000–€45,000	€20–€45
Spain	€20,000–€24,000	€30,000–€35,000	€15–€25
Nordics	€35,000–€40,000	€50,000–€55,000	€40–€70

Career Growth: From Bookkeeper to Accountant

Many bookkeepers eventually transition into higher-paying roles such as:

Accountants
Financial Analysts
Controllers
Tax Specialists

Pursuing certifications like CPA (USA), ACCA (UK/Europe), or Chartered Accountant (CA) can multiply earnings significantly.

Conclusion

Bookkeepers are essential to businesses worldwide, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and financial stability. While salaries differ between the USA and Europe, the overall trend is positive, especially for those who keep up with technology and pursue certifications.>

USA: $45,000–$65,000 average.
Europe: €25,000–€55,000 depending on country.
Freelancers: Often earn more per hour, especially with niche expertise.

So, if you’re considering bookkeeping as a career, it offers stability, flexibility, and solid earning potential—particularly if you specialize or go freelance.