What Is the Hourly Rate for a Bookkeeper in Atlanta?
If you’re a business owner in Atlanta, Georgia, you’re likely exploring the cost of hiring a bookkeeper – whether part-time, full-time, or outsourced. The hourly rate for bookkeeping services can vary based on experience level, service model, and whether you choose an employee or third-party provider.
This guide breaks down the average rates for bookkeepers in Atlanta and compares the cost differences between in-house and outsourced solutions.
Average Hourly Rates for Bookkeepers in Atlanta
Based on market data from job sites and staffing agencies in the metro Atlanta area, here’s a breakdown of what business owners typically pay:
| Type of Bookkeeper | Average Hourly Rate (Atlanta) |
|---|---|
| Freelance Bookkeeper | $30 – $55 per hour |
| In-House Junior Bookkeeper | $22 – $28 per hour + benefits |
| In-House Senior Bookkeeper | $35 – $45 per hour + benefits |
| Bookkeeper via Staffing Firm | $40 – $65 per hour |
| Outsourced Bookkeeping Firm | $150 – $250/month (flat rate) |
Note: Hourly rates for freelancers or employees do not include the additional cost of employer taxes, software, training, or oversight. Outsourced providers typically offer flat monthly pricing that scales with transaction volume.
What Factors Influence Bookkeeper Rates?
- Experience Level
Junior bookkeepers cost less but may lack accuracy or efficiency. Senior bookkeepers command higher rates and often handle more complex tasks like payroll, reporting, and audit prep. - Industry Specialization
Bookkeepers familiar with industries like construction, healthcare, real estate, or law may charge more for specialized reporting. - Volume of Transactions
Businesses with high transaction volume (e.g., e-commerce, retail) may require more hours, increasing overall cost. - Location and Demand
Atlanta is a major metropolitan hub with higher average labor costs than rural areas. This is reflected in higher hourly rates for bookkeeping services. - Software Proficiency
Bookkeepers who specialize in QuickBooks, Xero, or NetSuite may charge more for their platform expertise.
In-House vs Outsourced Bookkeeping in Atlanta
Let’s compare the two most common approaches.
In-House Bookkeeper (Hourly)
Pros:
- Available during business hours
- Familiarity with internal processes
- Flexible task assignment
Cons:
- Hiring, training, and payroll taxes
- Office space and overhead
- Risk of turnover
- Limited scalability
Outsourced Bookkeeping (Flat Monthly Rate)
Pros:
- No hiring or HR overhead
- Expert team with cross-industry experience
- Scalable as you grow
- Often includes software setup and reporting
- Reliable monthly reports for tax prep and forecasting
Cons:
- Remote (less face-to-face interaction)
- Requires initial onboarding and file sharing
RemoteBooksOnline offers outsourced bookkeeping services starting at $150/month – often less than hiring a part-time in-house bookkeeper.
Test Case: CPA Firm in Atlanta Reduces Overhead by 60%
Business: Small CPA firm handling over 30 client books
Problem: Paying two in-house bookkeepers at $28/hour each, plus benefits. During tax season, backlog and overtime were unavoidable.
Solution: Outsourced routine bookkeeping to RemoteBooksOnline using their white-label bookkeeping interface.
Results:
- Cut bookkeeping costs by 60%
- Zero overtime during tax season
- Client portal enabled secure uploads and bank feed integration
- CPA team focused on advisory and tax planning
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $30/hour too much for a bookkeeper in Atlanta?
Not necessarily. It depends on the scope of work, expertise, and whether the rate includes taxes and benefits. For simple tasks, it may be on the higher end.
Do outsourced bookkeepers work hourly?
Most reputable firms use flat monthly pricing based on volume. Hourly billing is more common with freelancers or consultants.
What’s the best solution for small businesses?
If you need consistent, affordable service, flat-rate bookkeeping offers the best value. Hourly bookkeepers make more sense for short-term, specialized projects.
Can I switch from hourly to flat-rate bookkeeping later?
Yes. Many businesses begin with hourly contractors and later move to outsourced providers for long-term support and predictability.
Are Atlanta rates higher than the national average?
Slightly. Due to cost of living and demand, Atlanta bookkeeper rates tend to be 5-15% higher than smaller markets.
Choose the Smarter Way to Bookkeep in Atlanta
Whether you’re just getting started or trying to reduce overhead, outsourced bookkeeping offers a consistent, affordable alternative to hiring locally. With RemoteBooksOnline, you get certified experts, transparent pricing, and dedicated monthly service – all for less than the cost of an hourly employee.
Explore our bookkeeping pricing and see how much you can save.
