The amount a bookkeeper should charge per hour depends greatly on their experience and knowledge. If you are new to the profession, you will need to establish yourself before you can charge more for your time, so you might start out charging clients closer to $15 per hour. If you are more experienced and have some certifications, you might charge closer to $25 per hour.
Not only do your experience and knowledge factor in, but so can your location if you are a traditional bookkeeper who deals with local clients. A well-known established bookkeeper in a high cost of living area could charge $50 per hour or more. If you are a bookkeeper who provides services virtually, you most likely will not have to factor in your location as much when deciding what to charge.
If you want to be able to charge your clients more for your services, getting certified is a great idea. Being certified illustrates your dedication and your knowledge in the profession. You can become a certified bookkeeper through the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) or the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB), and also earn certifications for specific software like QuickBooks or Xero.