Bookkeeping is one of those things every business owner knows they need but no one really wants to deal with.
You’re busy running the business, closing deals, and making things happen. You don’t want to spend hours sorting invoices and tracking expenses. You also don’t want to worry if your books are accurate.
At some point, you realize: I need help. But then comes the next headache, how much is this going to cost me?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Bookkeeping rates vary depending on experience, service type, and whether you hire in-house, freelance, or outsourced talent.
Most businesses overpay for bookkeeping simply because they don’t know their options.
That’s why we’re breaking it all down for you.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly:
- How much bookkeepers charge per hour and per month
- Whether you should hire in-house, freelance, or outsource bookkeeping
- The smartest, most cost-effective way to get expert bookkeeping support (without burning a hole in your budget)
Let’s get into it!
Understanding Bookkeeping Costs
Bookkeeping is more than just entering numbers into a spreadsheet. It is the key to financial clarity for your business. Without good bookkeeping, cash flow issues can arise. Tax season can turn into a nightmare, and making financial decisions can feel like guessing.
That’s why many business owners decide to hire a professional. But here’s the challenge: bookkeeping costs vary widely, and many businesses end up overpaying.
So how do you determine what’s reasonable and what’s overpriced?
The Three Biggest Factors that Impact Cost
Bookkeeping rates aren’t just about the service itself. They depend on a few critical factors:
1. Hourly vs. Monthly Rates
Bookkeepers typically charge using one of two pricing models:
- Hourly rates: You pay for the exact time spent on your books. This is ideal if you only need occasional support.
- Monthly fees: A flat rate for ongoing bookkeeping. This works well if your books require consistent attention.
If your business has a high volume of transactions, a monthly package usually makes more sense. Otherwise, hourly rates can help you only pay for what you need.
2. Freelancer vs. In-House vs. Offshore Bookkeepers
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when hiring a bookkeeper. The best choice depends on your business size, budget, and complexity of financials. Here’s how the main options stack up:
- Hiring an In-House Bookkeeper
- Ideal for large companies with complex financial operations.
- Expect to pay $50,000–$70,000 per year (plus benefits).
- High reliability, but costly for most small businesses.
- Hiring a Freelance Bookkeeper
- Flexible, and you only pay for the work done.
- Rates range from $20–$100 per hour depending on experience.
- However, freelancers may juggle multiple clients, causing availability issues.
- Hiring an Offshore Bookkeeper
- The most cost-effective option for startups and small businesses.
- Access to skilled professionals at a fraction of US rates.
- Get full-service bookkeeping support without the overhead costs of an in-house hire.
For startups and small businesses, hiring an offshore bookkeeper is often the smartest move. You get expert-level support without committing to a full-time salary.
3. Experience Level & Expertise
Not all bookkeepers are the same. Their rates will vary based on their skills, certifications, and industry expertise.
Beginner Bookkeepers (Entry-Level, No Certifications)
- Charge $14–$20 per hour.
- Suitable for basic data entry tasks but may lack advanced financial strategy skills.
Mid-Level Bookkeepers (Some Experience, No CPA Certification)
- Charge $20–$28 per hour.
- Capable of handling financial reporting, payroll, and reconciliations.
Expert Bookkeepers (Certified, Specialized in Industries)
- Charge $28–$35+ per hour.
- Ideal for businesses requiring advanced financial strategy, tax preparation, or industry-specific knowledge.
The more experience a bookkeeper has, the more they charge. For most small businesses, paying a lot for a full-time bookkeeper isn’t needed. You can hire an offshore bookkeeper for up to 80% less.
If you run a small business, startup, or growing company, you need good bookkeeping that fits your budget.
That’s why more businesses are hiring offshore bookkeepers. They offer the same skills as U.S. bookkeepers but at a much lower cost.
Talent Hackers connects businesses with skilled offshore bookkeepers. They can manage daily transactions and tax preparation at lower costs than in the U.S.
Next, let’s break down the actual hourly and monthly rates for bookkeepers so you know exactly what to expect.
How Much Do Bookkeepers Charge Per Hour?
Some charge as little as $16 per hour, while others go beyond $40 per hour, but why such a big gap?
If you’re thinking about hiring a bookkeeper, hourly rates can vary widely.
The answer comes down to experience, expertise, and the type of bookkeeper you hire.
Hourly Rates by Experience Level
Beginner Bookkeepers (Entry-Level, No Certifications)
- $16–$22 per hour
- Handles basic data entry, invoice tracking, and bank reconciliations.
- Good for businesses with low transaction volumes that need simple bookkeeping.
Mid-Level Bookkeepers (Some Experience, No CPA Certification)
- $22–$32 per hour
- Can manage financial reporting, payroll processing, and tax preparation.
- Ideal for growing businesses that need more than just data entry.
Expert Bookkeepers (Certified, Specialized in Industries)
- $32–$40+ per hour
- Provides advanced financial strategy, tax optimization, and cash flow management.
- Best for businesses with complex financials that require high-level expertise.
When Does Hourly Pricing Make Sense?
Hourly pricing can be a great fit if:
- You only need occasional bookkeeping help.
- Your transaction volume is low, and tasks are simple.
- You prefer flexibility over fixed costs.
However, hourly pricing can get expensive pretty fast if your business requires regular financial management. If you handle many transactions each month, a fixed monthly rate or an offshore bookkeeper could be a better choice.
A Smarter, More Affordable Alternative: Offshore Bookkeepers
Many business owners are now hiring offshore bookkeepers. They pay only $10 to $20 per hour. This is much less than the $32 to $40 or more for a US-based expert. They can still get quality work.
Next, let’s look at monthly bookkeeping costs to see how they compare.
How Much Do Bookkeepers Charge Per Month?
Let’s talk real numbers.
If your business needs consistent bookkeeping support, hiring someone at an hourly rate can quickly add up. Many business owners choose monthly pricing plans. These plans provide predictability and better value over time.
But how much should you actually expect to pay?
The cost of a bookkeeper on a monthly retainer depends on three key factors:
- The size and complexity of your business (How many transactions? Do you need payroll & invoicing support?)
- The experience level of the bookkeeper (Entry-level vs. mid-level vs. certified expert)
- Where your bookkeeper is based (Hiring locally vs. offshore makes a massive difference)
Here’s a general breakdown of US bookkeeping rates per month:
Basic Bookkeeping (For Small Businesses & Startups)
- $300–$500 per month
- Covers transaction recording, categorization, and simple financial reports
- Best for small businesses with straightforward financial needs
Mid-Level Bookkeeping (For Growing Businesses)
- $500–$1,000 per month
- Includes account reconciliations, payroll processing, and tax-ready financials
- Best for businesses with moderate transaction volume and employees
Advanced Bookkeeping + CFO-Level Services
- $1,000–$2,000+ per month
- Includes cash flow forecasting, budgeting, tax strategy, and in-depth financial analysis
- Ideal for larger businesses with complex financial operations
Why Do Many Businesses Overpay?
The biggest issue with monthly bookkeeping is that many businesses are paying more than they need to.
- They hire a full-time in-house bookkeeper when they only need part-time help.
- They choose costly US firms without knowing that offshore bookkeepers can provide the same service for much less.
- They pay for services they don’t actually use in bundled packages.
Here is a smarter solution;
Instead of paying $1,000 to $2,000 or more each month for a US-based bookkeeper, business owners are now hiring skilled offshore bookkeepers. They can find these experts for as little as $500 to $1,500 per month. These offshore bookkeepers have the same level of experience and professionalism.
You get the same quality service at a lower price. There are no extra costs. You only pay for the services you need.
At Talent Hackers, we link businesses with skilled offshore bookkeepers. They offer full-service support for up to 80% less than regular US rates.
Want to know how offshore bookkeepers compare to in-house and freelance options? That’s exactly what we’ll cover next.
In-House vs. Offshore vs. Freelance Bookkeepers: What’s the Best Choice?
Not all bookkeepers are the same. And neither are their price tags. As a business owner, you have three main options when hiring a bookkeeper:
- An in-house bookkeeper (Full-time employee on payroll)
- A freelance bookkeeper (Independent contractor)
- An offshore bookkeeper (Remote, cost-effective expert)
Each option has its own costs, advantages, and downsides. Here is a breakdown.
| Hiring Option | Cost | Best for | Pros | Cons |
| In-House Bookkeeper | $45,591/year (avg.) Range: $36,313 – $55,813/year | Large businesses with complex finances needing full-time support. | Works exclusively for your company. Can collaborate with internal teams daily. | Most expensive option. Unnecessary overhead if you don’t need 40 hours of bookkeeping work weekly. |
| Freelance Bookkeeper | $24.31/hour (avg.) Range: $19.71 – $27.64/hour | Small businesses that need part-time bookkeeping support. | Flexible, you only pay for the hours you need. No long-term commitment or employee benefits required. | Juggles multiple clients, so availability may be limited. No long-term stability. freelancers can leave anytime. |
| Offshore Bookkeeper | $500–$1,500/month | Startups, small businesses, and growing companies looking for affordable, expert-level bookkeeping. | Same quality service at up to 80% less than US rates. Dedicated support without paying full-time salaries. Scalable, you can adjust workload as needed. | Time zone differences (but easily managed with clear communication). Quality depends on who you hire, work with a trusted partner like Talent Hackers. |
What’s the Best Choice for Your Business?
If you’re running a large company with complex, high-volume finances, an in-house bookkeeper might make sense. But for most small and growing businesses, paying a full-time salary for part-time bookkeeping work is simply not cost-effective.
Freelancers provide flexibility, but availability and quality can be inconsistent.
That’s why more business owners are hiring offshore bookkeepers. You get the same skills as a US bookkeeper, but for much less money.
Let’s talk about how to price bookkeeping services so you know exactly what to pay (and what to avoid).
How to Price Bookkeeping Services?
Bookkeeping isn’t a one-size-fits-all service, and neither is its pricing. When you hire a bookkeeper or set your own rates, the cost can vary. It depends on three main factors: experience, the complexity of the services, and the pricing model.
Understanding what goes into these numbers helps businesses avoid overpaying and ensures bookkeepers charge fairly for their expertise.
For business owners, the first step in pricing bookkeeping services is knowing what level of support you need. A small business with simple finances may spend $300 to $1,000 each month. This covers basic bookkeeping tasks like tracking transactions and reconciling bank accounts.
A growing company that needs payroll, invoicing, and tax prep may spend between $1,000 and $5,000 each month. The costs depend on how many transactions they have and how complex they are.
Hourly rates are another pricing method, typically used by freelance bookkeepers or for one-time bookkeeping tasks. Current data shows that bookkeepers in the US charge between $25 and $100 per hour. Their experience and the services they offer affect the final rate. Certified and specialized bookkeepers can charge higher rates. This is especially true for those who focus on tax optimization and financial strategy.
Some businesses prefer monthly retainers over hourly billing to maintain predictable bookkeeping costs. A monthly package ensures that your business receives consistent financial oversight, with bookkeepers handling reconciliations, reports, and payroll without constantly tracking hours. These retainers typically range from $500 to $2,500 per month, depending on the depth of services.
For bookkeepers setting their rates, expertise is important. Entry-level bookkeepers often start at lower hourly rates and increase pricing as they gain experience. Specialized professionals in complex industries can use value-based pricing. This means their fees match the financial impact they create. In some cases, bookkeepers charge between 1% and 3% of a company’s revenue. They do this instead of a flat rate, especially for high-value financial accounts.
Offshore bookkeepers offer a cost-effective solution for businesses. They help cut expenses while maintaining quality, no matter the pricing model. US bookkeepers usually charge between $25 and $100 per hour. In contrast, offshore professionals with similar skills often charge $10 to $40 per hour or $500 to $1,500 per month. The savings are significant without compromising the quality of financial management.
So, what’s the right price for bookkeeping? It all depends on your business needs and how many transactions you have. You should also consider hiring skilled offshore workers for less money.
In the next section, we will explain why more businesses are choosing offshore hiring. We will also show you how to find the right bookkeeping talent without spending too much.
The Most Cost-Effective Way to Hire a Bookkeeper
Bookkeeping is important but it shouldn’t drain your budget.
Hiring a full-time bookkeeper can cost over $50,000 a year. This includes salary, benefits, and other expenses. Freelancers offer flexibility, but they can be expensive. Their rates range from $25 to $100 per hour. This can add up quickly, especially if your business is growing and needs more support.
So, what’s the alternative? Hiring an offshore bookkeeper.
More businesses are leaving expensive bookkeeping services. They are choosing skilled offshore professionals instead. These experts offer the same level of help for up to 80% less.
Why Offshore Bookkeepers Make Sense
Consider this: you need someone who is reliable, pays attention to details, and understands finances. But they don’t have to be in the office next to you.
Offshore bookkeepers from countries such as Nigeria provide great bookkeeping services. Their prices are much lower than those in the US. These professionals are well-trained and have experience with US accounting standards. They often hold the same certifications as bookkeepers in the US.
They cost significantly less.
Cost Breakdown: In-House vs. Offshore Hiring
Here’s what you’d pay for a full-time bookkeeper:
| Hiring Option | Average Annual Cost | Hidden Costs |
| In-House Bookkeeper (US) | $45,000–$70,000 | Benefits, payroll taxes, office space, software, equipment |
| Freelance Bookkeeper (US) | $25–$100 per hour | Costs can add up quickly, especially if you need consistent support |
| Offshore Bookkeeper | $12,000–$24,000 | No office space, minimal overhead, same quality service |
Hiring offshore saves businesses 50–80% without sacrificing expertise or reliability.
How to Hire the Right Offshore Bookkeeper
The biggest mistake business owners make is thinking offshore means lower quality.
That’s only true if you go in blind. Hiring the wrong offshore bookkeeper—someone without the right experience or industry knowledge—can create more problems than solutions.
That’s why working with a trusted hiring partner is important.
At Talent Hackers, we vet, screen, and match businesses with top-tier offshore bookkeepers who are:
- Experienced in US accounting standards
- Skilled in bookkeeping software like QuickBooks, Xero, and NetSuite
- Detail-oriented and reliable
- A fraction of the cost of hiring in-house
The result is that you get expert bookkeeping support without the ridiculous price tag.
If you’re still paying $50,000+ per year for bookkeeping, ask yourself: Is it really worth it?
Because the truth is, you can get the same quality and sometimes better for up to 80% less.
With the right offshore bookkeeper, you’re not just saving money, you’re getting high-level financial support that helps your business grow.
And if you’re not sure where to start, Talent Hackers makes it easy. We help businesses find expert offshore bookkeepers who deliver real results at a price that actually makes sense.
