How Much Does a Bookkeeper Cost?
This is one of the most common questions I get. And I get why—you want to know what you're getting into before you reach out.
The honest answer? It depends. But that's not a cop-out. There are real factors that affect pricing, and once you understand them, you'll have a much better idea of what to expect.
How Much Do Bookkeepers Charge?
Bookkeeping prices vary a lot depending on where you look and what you need. But here's a general idea of what small businesses typically pay:
DIY software like QuickBooks or Wave runs anywhere from free to around $30-80 per month. But that's just the tool—you're still doing the work yourself.
Freelance or independent bookkeepers usually charge somewhere between $400 and $1,500 per month for ongoing bookkeeping, depending on the complexity of your business.
Bookkeeping firms or agencies might charge more, especially if they're bundling additional services or have more overhead.
Hourly rates, if you go that route, typically range from $40 to $100+ per hour depending on experience and location.
These numbers aren't set in stone. A simple business with a handful of transactions will cost less than a busy restaurant with payroll, tips, and inventory to track.
What Affects Bookkeeping Costs?
A few things determine where you'll land in that range:
Transaction volume. More transactions means more work. A business with 50 transactions a month is simpler to manage than one with 500.
Number of accounts. If you have multiple bank accounts, credit cards, or payment platforms (hello, Stripe, PayPal, and Venmo), that adds complexity.
Payroll. Some bookkeepers include payroll processing, others don't. If you have employees, this matters.
Industry. Some industries are just more complicated. Restaurants with tip credits, construction with job costing, e-commerce with inventory—these take more expertise and more time.
Cleanup vs. maintenance. If your books are already a mess, there's usually a one-time cleanup fee before monthly bookkeeping starts. This can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand depending on how far behind you are.
Level of service. Basic transaction categorization costs less than full-service bookkeeping that includes reporting, cash flow forecasting, and regular check-ins.
Why Cheap Bookkeeping Costs More
Here's the thing about going with the cheapest option: you often end up paying for it later.
A bookkeeper who charges $150 a month might sound like a great deal. But if they're cutting corners, miscategorizing transactions, or not reconciling properly, you'll end up paying an accountant or another bookkeeper to fix the mess. And cleanup work is always more expensive than doing it right the first time.
There's also the cost of bad information. If your books aren't accurate, you might underprice your services, overspend on expenses you didn't realize were adding up, or get surprised by a tax bill you weren't prepared for.
The goal isn't to find the cheapest bookkeeper. It's to find one who gives you accurate numbers and peace of mind—at a price that makes sense for your business.
What's Included in Bookkeeping Services?
When you hire a bookkeeper, you're not just paying for data entry. You're paying for:
Accuracy. Knowing your numbers are right.
Time. Hours you're not spending on something you don't enjoy and aren't great at.
Clarity. Actually understanding where your money is going.
Confidence. Making decisions based on real information instead of gut feelings.
Stress relief. Not dreading tax season or avoiding your bank account.
That's worth more than the line item on your budget might suggest.
Is Hiring a Bookkeeper Worth It?
Ask yourself: What is your time worth? If you're spending five hours a month on bookkeeping and you could be using that time to bring in revenue, the math might already be in favor of hiring someone.
Also ask: What is the cost of getting it wrong? Missed deductions, tax penalties, bad business decisions—those add up fast.
If you're on the fence, start with a conversation. A good bookkeeper will be honest about whether their services make sense for where you are right now.
How Much Should You Pay for a Bookkeeper?
Bookkeeping costs vary, but most small businesses pay somewhere between $400 and $1,500 per month for quality, ongoing support. The exact number depends on your transaction volume, complexity, and what's included.
Don't just shop on price. Look for someone who understands your business, communicates clearly, and gives you numbers you can actually trust.
