How Much Does a Bookkeeper Cost? What Small Businesses Should Expect to Pay
If you’ve ever found yourself Googling how much does a bookkeeper cost, you’re not alone. Small business owners across the country are trying to balance their budgets while keeping their books clean – a tough task if you’re juggling payroll, invoices, and reconciliations.
Whether you’re looking for affordable bookkeeping services or wondering what’s typical in your state, this guide explains what you should expect to pay and how to get the best value.
Average Bookkeeping Rates in 2025
Bookkeeping costs vary widely depending on how you manage it:
- Freelancer or part-time bookkeeper: $25-$60/hour
- In-house full-time bookkeeper: $3,500-$5,000/month (salary + overhead)
- Outsourced bookkeeping services like RemoteBooksOnline: Starting at $150/month
Businesses needing basic monthly reporting often find better value with monthly bookkeeping services, especially if their transaction volume is predictable.
What Influences Cost?
Factors that impact pricing include:
- Number of transactions
- Payroll or invoicing needs
- Whether you’re behind and need catch-up bookkeeping
- Your chosen software (we support QuickBooks and Xero)
Example: A contractor who hasn’t updated their books in 6 months would likely pay a one-time catch-up fee – but they can then shift to a fixed monthly rate going forward.
Real Cost Breakdown: In-House vs. Outsourced
| Type | Avg. Cost/Month | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Freelancer | $300-$600 | Manual reports, limited availability |
| In-House Hire | $4,000-$6,000 | Salary, taxes, benefits, office space |
| RemoteBooksOnline | From $150 | CPA-reviewed books, unlimited support, cloud reports |
When you consider the long-term benefits – accurate books, peace of mind, and fewer errors – outsourcing is often the smarter play.
Case Study: Home-Based Business in California
Amanda runs a small online retail shop out of her home in Sacramento. She tried using a freelance bookkeeper who charged by the hour, but costs fluctuated wildly.
She switched to RemoteBooksOnline’s bookkeeping services for small businesses for a flat $175/month. Now she gets:
- Clean, up-to-date books
- Access to QuickBooks reports anytime
- Fewer questions at tax time
Plus, she never has to worry about reconciling bank statements at midnight.
What’s Included in a Flat Monthly Rate?
At RemoteBooksOnline, even our entry-level plans include:
- Dedicated team
- CPA review
- Integration with QuickBooks or Xero
- Bank/credit card reconciliations
- Access to real-time reports
If you’re already using QuickBooks and need help cleaning things up, check out our QuickBooks bookkeeping services to see what’s possible.
Do Cheap Bookkeepers Really Cost You More?
Yes. While DIY bookkeeping might feel like a cost saver, it often leads to:
- Incorrect tax filings
- Missed deductions
- Time-consuming corrections
- Inability to scale when your business grows
When your books are messy, your decisions are too.
FAQs
Can I get catch-up and monthly bookkeeping from the same provider?
Yes. Most of our clients begin with a catch-up bookkeeping package, then move into a fixed monthly plan – all with the same team.
Do I need to use QuickBooks to work with you?
We work with both QuickBooks and Xero, and we set everything up for you. If you’re exploring QuickBooks, visit our QuickBooks support page for more info.
Do rates vary by state or ZIP code?
We support businesses in all 50 states. You can check bookkeeping costs in your area to see what’s typical.
Final Thought
Knowing what bookkeeping should cost – and what you get for that cost – is essential to making the right decision for your business. Whether you’re running a home-based business or scaling into a multi-location operation, having reliable books is what sets serious businesses apart.
If you’re ready to stop guessing and start growing, request a quote today.
