Hiring a bookkeeper is one of the smartest moves a business owner can make—but how much will it actually cost?
The short answer: it depends on your business stage, complexity, and what you need done.
This post breaks it all down:
Hourly vs monthly vs flat-rate pricing
What affects bookkeeping rates
How much to budget
When cheap becomes expensive
Typical Bookkeeping Costs
Here’s a breakdown of average rates across the U.S.:
| Service Type | Typical Cost |
| Freelance Bookkeeper | $25-$50/hour |
| Monthly Retainer (Remote) | $300-$900/month |
| Boutique Firm | $1,000-$2,000/month |
| On-Site Full-Time Bookkeeper | $45,000-$65,000/year + benefits |
What Influences Price?
Complexity of your business
Do you have payroll? Inventory? Multiple bank accounts?
Volume of transactions
More activity = more reconciliation work
Cleanliness of your current books
If your books are a mess, you’ll pay for cleanup
Frequency of service
Weekly categorization = more expensive than monthly
Industry specialization
Real estate, eCom, and crypto require more skill
How to Think About ROI
“If you're making $250K+ and still doing your own books, you’re losing money every month—either in lost time, missed deductions, or bad data.”
— Kimi, Co-founder ofSam’s List
Good bookkeeping can:
Save you thousands in taxes
Free up 10+ hours/month
Give you better insights to grow
And bad or DIY bookkeeping? Itcostsyou—just not in ways that show up on your P&L.
FAQ
How much should a small business pay for bookkeeping?
Most small businesses pay between $300–$1,000/month depending on needs.
Is it cheaper to outsource bookkeeping?
Yes—outsourcing is often cheaper than hiring a full-time employee and can scale with your business.
Is a bookkeeper worth the cost?
Absolutely. A good bookkeeper can save you more than they cost—especially at tax time.
You Might Also Like:
1.DIY vs Outsourced Bookkeeping
2.Stop Doing Your Own Bookkeeping
3.Bookkeeping for Solopreneurs
Author: Kimi, Co-founder of Sam's List
Kimi writes about what she's learning while building Sam's List and shares honest takeaways from her conversations with accountants and financial advisors across the country. None of this is financial advice—just the stuff most people wish someone told them sooner.
