Introduction
The number one question we get from aspiring digital nomads is: “Can I actually make a living as a remote bookkeeper?”
The answer is yes. In fact, bookkeeping is one of the most lucrative remote careers that doesn’t require a 4-year degree in coding.
As we head into 2025, the demand for remote financial pros is skyrocketing. Small businesses are moving away from expensive local firms and hiring flexible, remote talent instead.
But how much does it actually pay?
In this guide, we break down the real remote bookkeeper salary data for 2025, comparing entry-level vs. senior roles, and hourly freelance rates vs. full-time salaries.
Average Remote Bookkeeper Salary (2025 Data)
According to recent data from Glassdoor, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter, the average salary for a remote bookkeeper in the United States currently sits between $45,000 and $65,000 per year.
However, this number varies wildly based on your experience.
1. Entry-Level Bookkeeper (0-2 Years Experience)
- Salary Range: $38,000 – $48,000 / year
- Hourly Rate: $18 – $24 / hour
- What is expected: Data entry, categorizing transactions in QuickBooks/Xero, and basic bank reconciliation.
2. Experienced Bookkeeper (3-5 Years Experience)
- Salary Range: $50,000 – $65,000 / year
- Hourly Rate: $25 – $35 / hour
- What is expected: Managing Accounts Payable/Receivable, running payroll, and generating monthly financial reports (P&L, Balance Sheet).
3. Senior Bookkeeper / Full-Charge Bookkeeper (5+ Years)
- Salary Range: $65,000 – $85,000+ / year
- Hourly Rate: $40 – $60+ / hour
- What is expected: Handling the entire financial lifecycle for a business, preparing tax documents for CPAs, and managing junior staff.
💡 Pro Tip: You don’t need a degree to reach the “Senior” level. You just need to master the software.
Experts in QuickBooks Online and Xero earn 20% more than those who only know Excel. 👉 Check out the top bookkeeping software skills you need here
Freelance vs. Employment: Which Pays More?
One of the biggest benefits of remote bookkeeping is the choice between being an Employee (W-2) or a Freelancer (1099).
The Freelance Advantage
Freelance bookkeepers often earn more per hour.
- Average Rate: $30 – $75+ per hour.
- Why: You can manage 5-10 clients at once. If you have 5 clients paying you $500/month for simple maintenance, that is $2,500/month for maybe 10 hours of work.
The Employment Stability
Remote employees get benefits and stability.
- Average Salary: $55,000 + Health Insurance + 401(k).
- Why: Good for those who want a steady paycheck without the stress of finding clients.
3 Ways to Boost Your Bookkeeper Salary in 2025
Want to move from the $40k range to the $80k range? Here is how to increase your value.
1. Get Certified in Software
Clients don’t care about your college GPA; they care if you can fix their messy QuickBooks file.
- Action: Become a QuickBooks ProAdvisor or Xero Certified Advisor. These certifications are often free and prove your expertise.
- Resource: Compare the tools here: QuickBooks vs. Xero: Which is Best?
2. Specialize in a Niche
“General” bookkeepers are a commodity. “Specialized” bookkeepers are experts.
- Example: A “Bookkeeper for E-commerce” knows how to handle Shopify sales tax and inventory. A “Bookkeeper for Real Estate” knows how to handle property depreciation.
- Result: Specialists charge 30-50% more than generalists.
3. Learn “Advisory” Services
Don’t just give clients the numbers; explain what they mean.
- Instead of saying: “Here is your P&L.”
- Say: “Your P&L shows your software costs went up 20%. Let’s audit your subscriptions to save money.”
- Result: You stop being an expense and start being an investment.
Conclusion: Is Remote Bookkeeping Worth It?
Absolutely. With an average entry-level salary of $45,000 and a freelance potential of $60/hour, remote bookkeeping offers one of the best effort-to-income ratios in the remote job market.
The barrier to entry is low, but the ceiling is high for those who learn the right tools.
Ready to start your journey? The first step is mastering the software that 90% of clients use. 👉 Read our Guide: Best Bookkeeping Software for Startups (2025)
