Introduction
The bookkeeping profession continues to grow in demand as more businesses worldwide shift toward online operations, remote-based teams, and cloud-based accounting. Today, thousands of entrepreneurs prefer hiring self-employed bookkeepers instead of full-time employees because it’s cheaper, more flexible, and highly efficient.
If you are considering starting a freelance
bookkeeping career—or already working in the field—one of the biggest questions
on your mind is likely:
“How much can a self-employed bookkeeper really
earn?”
This comprehensive guide examines 2025 salary trends,
hourly rates, annual earnings, factors influencing income, and realistic
examples of what freelance bookkeepers earn in various countries. You’ll also
learn how to increase your income and secure long-term clients.
1. What Does a Self-Employed Bookkeeper Do?
A self-employed bookkeeper works independently,
offering financial recording and reporting services to companies, startups,
e-commerce brands, and entrepreneurs. Instead of being hired as a full-time
employee, they sell bookkeeping services on a contract basis.
Typical duties include:
Recording daily financial transactions
Managing invoices and receipts
Tracking accounts payable and receivable
Reconciling bank and credit card statements
Updating financial records using cloud software
Generating monthly financial reports
Helping business owners understand their financial
position.
Unlike employees, self-employed bookkeepers set their
own rates, choose their clients, and decide how many hours they want to work
each week.
2. Why Businesses Prefer Freelance Bookkeepers
The freelance bookkeeping industry has exploded in
recent years. Small businesses, online shops, and entrepreneurs increasingly
prefer remote bookkeepers because:
✔
Cost Savings
Hiring a full-time bookkeeper can be expensive due to
salary, benefits, insurance, and office space. Freelancers eliminate these
costs.
✔
Flexibility
Companies can hire bookkeepers only when
needed—weekly, monthly, or quarterly.
✔
Access to Skilled Talent
Business owners can work with experts from anywhere
in the world, not just locally.
✔
Cloud Accounting Tools
Software like QuickBooks, Xero, Wave, and Zoho Books
make remote bookkeeping easy and efficient.
As demand increases, so do the earnings of skilled
freelance bookkeepers.
3. Self-Employed Bookkeeper Salary in 2025 (By
Country)
Self-employed bookkeepers do not earn a “fixed
salary.” Instead, their income depends on the number of clients, the hourly
rate, and the type of services offered.
Here is the average income breakdown for 2025:
United States (USA)
Hourly Rate: $25 – $60
Monthly Income: $3,000 – $8,000
Annual Income: $40,000 – $90,000+
Experienced bookkeepers managing multiple clients can
earn well over $100,000 per year.
United Kingdom (UK)
Hourly Rate: £15 – £35
Monthly Income: £2,000 – £4,500
Annual Income: £30,000 – £55,000+
Bookkeepers trained in UK tax laws and VAT returns
earn even more.
Canada
Hourly Rate: $20 – $50 CAD
Monthly Income: $2,500 – $6,000
Annual Income: $35,000 – $70,000+
There is strong demand among small businesses and
e-commerce brands.
Australia
Hourly Rate: $25 – $60 AUD
Monthly Income: $3,000 – $7,000
Annual Income: $40,000 – $85,000+
Freelance bookkeeping is rapidly growing due to
Australia’s digital business ecosystem.
Philippines
Hourly Rate: ₱250
– ₱650
Monthly Income: ₱30,000
– ₱80,000
Annual Income: ₱360,000
– ₱960,000
Philippine bookkeepers who work with U.S. or
Australian clients earn higher rates.
Kenya, Uganda & East Africa
Hourly Rate: $5 – $20
Monthly Income: $200 – $800 (local clients)
Monthly Income: $500 – $2,000 (international clients)
Remote work is growing fast, especially with
cloud-based bookkeeping jobs.
4.
Factors That Affect a Self-Employed Bookkeeper’s Income
Not all freelance bookkeepers earn the same. Your
earnings depend on several key factors:
1. Experience Level
Beginners typically charge lower hourly rates.
After 1–2 years, income increases significantly.
Bookkeepers with 5+ years of experience can charge
premium rates.
2. Certifications
Certifications boost your credibility and earnings. Examples
include:
QuickBooks ProAdvisor
Xero Certified Advisor
AIPB (American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers)
NACPB
Clients trust certified professionals more.
3. Niche Specialization
Serving a specific industry allows you to charge
more. High-paying niches include:
Real estate
E-commerce (Shopify, Amazon)
Medical offices
Law firms
Construction companies
Specialists can charge double the general rate.
4. Number of Clients
Your income increases with the size of your client
list. For example:
Clients Managed Estimated Monthly Income
2–3 clients $1,000
– $3,000
5–7 clients $3,000
– $6,000
10+ clients $6,000
– $10,000+
Most successful bookkeepers work with 5–10 small
clients.
5. Services You Offer
Offering packages instead of simple hourly work
boosts income.
High-income services include:
Cleanup bookkeeping
Payroll processing
Accounts reconciliation
Tax preparation support
Monthly reporting and forecasting
The more value you offer, the more you earn.
5. Hourly vs. Monthly Rates: What Pays More?
Bookkeepers can charge clients in different ways:
Hourly Rates
Great for beginners or small tasks.
However, experienced bookkeepers often avoid hourly
billing because income becomes limited.
Monthly Packages (Best for high income)
Example packages:
$300/month → Basic bookkeeping
$600/month → Full-service bookkeeping
$1,200+/month → Advanced accounting + reporting
This model creates a predictable, stable monthly income.
Project-Based Pricing
Good for:
Cleanup projects
Setting up QuickBooks/Xero
Training clients
End-of-year financial organization
These projects can earn $300–$3,000 per project,
depending on complexity.
6. How Many Hours Do Self-Employed Bookkeepers Work?
One of the biggest advantages of freelancing is
flexibility.
Typical weekly hours:
Part-time freelancers: 10–20 hours/week
Full-time bookkeepers: 25–35 hours/week
Most bookkeepers can earn a full-time income while
working fewer hours than traditional employment.
7. Realistic Income Examples
Example 1: Beginner Bookkeeper
Charges: $20/hour
Hours/week: 15
Monthly income: $1,200
Annual income: ~$14,000
Example 2: Intermediate Bookkeeper
5 clients at $350/month
Monthly income: $1,750
Annual income: ~$21,000
Example 3: Advanced Niche Bookkeeper (USA)
8 clients at $600/month
Monthly income: $4,800
Annual income: ~$57,600
Example 4: High-Level Specialized Bookkeeper
10 clients at $800/month
Monthly income: $8,000
Annual income: ~$96,000
Some earn far beyond this level, especially those
managing teams.
8. How to Increase Your Bookkeeping Income
If you want to earn more as a self-employed
bookkeeper, here are proven strategies:
1. Raise Your Rates Every 12 Months
Clients expect gradual increases.
2. Offer Premium Services
Examples:
Payroll management
Tax assistance
Financial forecasting
3. Earn Certifications
They make clients trust you more.
4. Work with International Clients
Clients from the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia
pay the highest rates.
5. Automate Your Work
Use tools like:
QuickBooks Online
Xero
Wave
Dext
Hubdoc
Automation increases income by saving time.
Conclusion
A self-employed bookkeeper has an exceptional
opportunity to earn a flexible, stable, and scalable income in 2025. Depending
on experience, niche, and number of clients, freelance bookkeepers can earn
anywhere from $30,000 to over $100,000 per year.
The shift to remote work and digital financial tools
has created massive demand for bookkeepers who can help small businesses stay
organized and compliant. Whether you are just starting or already have
experience, now is one of the best times to build a profitable freelance
bookkeeping career.
With the right skills, certifications, and pricing
strategy, you can create a successful long-term business and enjoy the freedom
of being your own boss
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