Question 1

How much does a bookkeeper cost?

Accepted Answer

Bookkeeper costs vary by location and experience. Nationally, freelance bookkeepers charge $30–$76 per hour, with monthly retainers typically ranging $1,200–$3,000 for 40 hours of service. Use our calculator above for a rate in your specific city.

Question 2

How are QuoteBlink rates calculated?

Accepted Answer

Our benchmarks are derived from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) data. We convert W-2 wages to freelance rates using the formula: (Annual W-2 × 1.3) ÷ 1,100 billable hours, where 1.3 accounts for self-employment tax, benefits, and overhead.

Question 3

Is the bookkeeper cost calculator free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The calculator and all 390+ city pages are completely free. No email or signup required.

Question 4

What is the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?

Accepted Answer

Bookkeepers handle day-to-day transaction recording and reconciliation (typically $30–$76/hr). Accountants handle higher-level work like financial statements, tax strategy, and audits (typically $45–$110/hr). Both are covered in our calculator.

How much does a bookkeeper cost?

Bookkeeper Cost Calculator

National bookkeeper benchmarks

Bookkeeper cost by city