How Much Do Bookkeepers Charge Per Hour?
Whether you’re a small business owner exploring your options or a CPA firm looking to outsource, understanding hourly bookkeeping rates is essential for budgeting and planning.
Download Our Free Brochure →In this guide, we break down what bookkeepers typically charge per hour, what affects pricing, and how flat-rate services like RemoteBooksOnline can often provide better value.
What’s the Average Hourly Rate for Bookkeepers?
Bookkeeping rates vary depending on experience, location, and service type. Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect to pay in 2025:
| Type of Bookkeeper | Hourly Rate Range |
|---|---|
| Freelance (Entry-Level) | $25 – $40 per hour |
| Freelance (Experienced) | $40 – $75 per hour |
| In-House Bookkeeper (W2) | $20 – $35 per hour + benefits |
| Bookkeeper via Staffing Firm | $50 – $90 per hour |
| CPA or Accountant doing books | $100+ per hour |
Hourly billing is most common with freelancers or short-term contractors. However, more and more businesses are moving toward flat-rate monthly pricing for predictability and scalability.
What Affects Hourly Bookkeeping Rates?
Several factors influence what a bookkeeper may charge:
1. Experience Level
- Entry-level bookkeepers charge less but may take longer to complete tasks
- Certified or specialized bookkeepers (e.g., QuickBooks ProAdvisors) command higher rates
2. Industry Complexity
- Healthcare, construction, legal, or e-commerce may require additional knowledge and thus higher rates
3. Location
- Bookkeepers in major cities (New York, San Francisco) often charge more than rural or offshore professionals
4. Scope of Work
Download Our Free Brochure →- Basic categorization and reconciliation cost less
- A/P, A/R, payroll, and reporting raise the hourly rate
5. Urgency or Cleanup Required
- If you’re behind, hourly catch-up and cleanup services are usually billed at a premium rate
Flat-Rate vs. Hourly: Which Is Better?
Hourly bookkeeping may make sense for:
- One-time projects
- Simple cleanup
- Temporary staff shortages
However, flat-rate services are often more efficient and budget-friendly for ongoing needs.
Why Flat-Rate Bookkeeping Wins:
- Predictable monthly costs
- No surprise invoices
- Faster turnaround (you’re not billed for every question)
- All-inclusive services (reporting, reconciliation, categorization)
At RemoteBooksOnline, our bookkeeping plans start at just $150/month – often less than 5 hours of freelance bookkeeping.
Test Case: Business Coach Saves Big Switching from Hourly to Flat-Rate
Business: Business coaching firm with ~80 monthly transactions
Problem: Hired a freelance bookkeeper at $45/hour. Between reconciliations, emails, and categorization, the monthly bill reached $600+.
Solution: Switched to RemoteBooksOnline’s $200/month plan.
Results:
- Saved 65% on bookkeeping costs
- Monthly reports delivered consistently
- Better response times and support
- Owner now focuses on clients, not invoices
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $50/hour a fair rate for a bookkeeper?
Yes – especially if they’re experienced and handling more than just categorization. But flat-rate providers often offer better value for routine monthly needs.
Do I still need to review hourly work?
Yes. Always ask for timesheets or deliverables when paying hourly. Review what’s being billed and whether tasks could be streamlined.
Can I mix flat-rate with hourly cleanup?
Absolutely. Many clients begin with QuickBooks cleanup billed hourly, then transition to flat-rate monthly service.
Are offshore bookkeepers cheaper?
Yes, but they may lack U.S. tax knowledge or industry specialization. Consider value over cost, especially during tax season or audits.
Is RemoteBooksOnline hourly or flat-rate?
We’re 100% flat-rate, with all-inclusive bookkeeping and no hidden fees. Our team supports your books monthly – no hourly guessing games.
Stop Guessing Your Bookkeeping Costs
If you’re paying hourly, it’s easy to lose track of how much you’re really spending. RemoteBooksOnline offers expert, U.S.-based bookkeeping with flat monthly pricing and no surprises.
Explore our bookkeeping pricing, or get started with a free trial today.
