But here’s what’s always true: solid bookkeeping brings clarity, peace of mind, and better business decisions. Whether you’re just getting started or trying to scale, knowing what it costs helps you find the right support without wasting money.
What Actually Affects Bookkeeping Rates?
“How much does a bookkeeper charge?” It’s a common question, and honestly, the answer isn’t that simple. The cost depends on a few key things — who you’re hiring, what your business looks like, and how much help you actually need. Let’s break it down:
Experience and Credentials
Bookkeepers come with all kinds of backgrounds. Some are self-taught, others are certified pros with years under their belt. Naturally, someone who’s been doing this for 10+ years and knows tax laws inside and out is going to charge more. But with that, you’re paying for fewer mistakes and way more peace of mind.
Real-world example: An experienced bookkeeper might charge $50–$100 an hour. A newer freelancer might be closer to $25–$40.
Size and Complexity of Your Business
If you’re a solo business owner with a handful of monthly transactions, things stay pretty straightforward. But if you’re juggling payroll, inventory, client invoices, and vendor bills — that’s a different story. The more moving parts, the more time and detail your bookkeeper has to manage.
And yes, more time means a higher rate.
Location
Believe it or not, where your bookkeeper is based still matters. Someone in New York or LA might charge more than someone working remotely from a smaller town. That said, many bookkeepers now work online — which opens up more affordable options without sacrificing quality.
Services You’re Getting
Some bookkeepers do the basics — think tracking expenses and reconciling your accounts. Others go all in with financial reports, budget planning, payroll, invoicing, even prepping you for tax season.
If you need that all-in-one support, something like Miss LC Bookkeeping might be a great fit — especially if you want everything in one place without hiring multiple people.
How Often You Need Help
Are you looking for someone to pop in once a quarter and clean things up? Or do you need weekly check-ins and ongoing support? Regular bookkeeping will cost more than occasional help but it also keeps your books clean and up-to-date at all times.
Common Pricing Structures
If you’re wondering how bookkeepers price their services, it really depends on what you need and how often you need it. There’s no “one right way” to do it — but here’s how most bookkeepers tend to charge.
Hourly Rates
This one’s pretty common, especially if you only need help here and there. You’re charged for the actual time someone spends working on your books. It’s flexible, but the hours can add up if your finances are messy.
Ballpark: $30–$90 an hour.
If you’re just starting out or need help once in a while, this might make sense.
Monthly Flat Fees
This is the route many growing businesses go with. You pay the same amount every month, and the bookkeeper handles your books on an ongoing basis, reconciling accounts, sending reports, and keeping you organized.
Rough range: $200–$800/month depending on how complex things are.
This is how Miss LC works with most of her clients, everything’s covered, from your daily transactions to year-end prep. You know what you’re paying and what you’re getting, which is helpful when you’re budgeting.
One-Off Projects
Maybe your books are a mess and you need someone to clean things up, or you’re switching bookkeepers and just want to get things in order. In that case, you’ll probably get a project quote based on how much work is involved.
Good option if you’re playing catch-up or prepping for tax time.
Support + Mentorship
Some bookkeepers (Miss LC included) offer mentorship packages that include teaching, perfect if you or someone on your team wants to learn how to manage the books but still needs a safety net.
It saves money in the long run and gives you more control, but with expert backup when you need it.
Average Bookkeeping Costs in 2025
Bookkeeping rates have evolved with the growing demand for flexible, remote, and tech-savvy financial services. In 2025, prices can vary depending on your location, business size, and service type but here’s a general idea of what to expect.
National Averages
- Freelance Bookkeepers: $30 to $60 per hour
- Bookkeeping Firms: $75 to $150 per hour
- Monthly Packages: $250 to $850 per month for small businesses
Keep in mind, prices may be lower if you outsource internationally or use software-based services, but the tradeoff is often limited support or lower accuracy.
Choosing the Right Bookkeeping Service
Finding the right bookkeeping support isn’t just about cost, it’s about choosing a partner who understands your business and helps it grow. Here’s how to make the right choice:
Know What You Actually Need
Before you hire a bookkeeper, take a minute to get clear on your business.
- How many transactions are you dealing with each month?
- Do you just need the basics, or full-on financial management?
- Are you trying to stay organized, prep for tax season, or grow your business?
Look for Experience and the Right Fit
A great bookkeeper does more than manage numbers—they help you make sense of them. Find someone who:
- Knows your industry and understands your kind of business
- Communicates clearly (and doesn’t disappear)
- Gives you reports you can actually read and use
And don’t overlook personality. If you’re going to work together long-term, it helps to click with the person handling your finances.
Knowing what you need up front can save you from paying for stuff you don’t need—or worse, skipping the help you really do.
Check Their Use of Technology
Modern bookkeeping runs on tools like QuickBooks, Xero, and cloud-based platforms. A tech-savvy bookkeeper can offer:
- Faster processing
- Easy document sharing
- Real-time access to your financials
This keeps your business agile and informed.
Think Long-Term Value
If you’re hoping to learn as you grow, Miss LC’s Mentorship Assistance is a great option. You’ll get hands-on training while still having a pro to guide you. It’s ideal for business owners or team members who want to build in-house bookkeeping skills without losing expert support along the way.
Ask What’s Included (and What’s Not)
It’s okay to ask questions. In fact, you should.
- What exactly is covered in the monthly fee?
- Are tax services included or separate?
- How often will I get updates or reports?
Getting clear on the details early saves you from surprises later and makes sure you’re actually getting what you’re paying for.
FAQs
How do I know if I need a bookkeeper or an accountant?
If you need help organizing daily finances, managing expenses, or preparing reports, a bookkeeper is the right choice. For tax filing, audits, or financial strategy, you may also need an accountant. Many businesses benefit from having both.
Is it better to hire a freelancer or a firm?
Honestly, it depends. If your books are pretty simple and you just need someone to keep things in order, a freelancer can totally work and they’re usually easier on the budget. But if things are starting to grow or get complicated, a firm gives you more structure, backup, and someone else to step in if your main contact’s not around. Just depends on where you’re at and what kind of support feels right.
What’s included in full-service bookkeeping?
Full-service bookkeeping usually covers transaction tracking, reconciliations, financial reporting, and tax preparation support. At Miss LC Bookkeeping & Beyond, we also provide personalized support to help you understand your finances better. Learn more about Bookkeeping here.
Can I just learn bookkeeping myself instead of hiring someone?
Yeah, you can. A lot of people do. It takes some time, and it helps to have someone walk you through the parts that aren’t so straightforward. That’s actually why we created the Mentorship Assistance program. You still get support, but you’re learning as you go, which honestly gives you way more control over your money in the long run.
Do bookkeepers help with taxes too?
They can, yes. Most bookkeepers help keep your records organized and make sure everything’s ready for tax time like tracking expenses and pulling together the reports your tax pro needs. We actually take it further with full Tax Prep and Planning services, so you’re not scrambling at the last minute or guessing what you owe.