How Much Does a Bookkeeper Cost? Comparing In-House, Freelance, and Outsourced Options

How Much Does a Bookkeeper Cost? 

As a small business owner, you may have several tasks to complete and may not have the time or expertise to handle your own bookkeeping. However, you may not be aware of the real costs of bookkeeping or may hesitate to hire a bookkeeper for several reasons. So, ultimately you may wonder about how much does a bookkeeper cost. In this blog, let us explore this question and also discover how the services of a bookkeeper differ from that of an accountant. We shall also delve into comparing the cost of an in-house, online, and freelance bookkeeping service. But first, we shall explore how bookkeeping is different from accounting. 

How Does Bookkeeping Differ from Accounting 

Several people group accounting and bookkeeping together. However, accountants and bookkeepers have different functions, expertise, and qualifications. First, let us examine the role that bookkeepers play in an organization. These professionals typically manage the day-to-day financial tasks of your business. The services they provide could include: 

• Managing accounts payable and receivable 

• Tracking customer invoices and payments 

• Processing vendor and supplier payments 

• Assisting with payroll management 

• Reconciling accounts 

• Analyzing cash flow 

• Preparing and managing financial reports 

Accountants can do what bookkeepers do, but they also handle bigger tasks like creating financial reports, analyzing results, and planning long-term strategies. They also prepare and file your business’s tax returns. So, while accountants can perform bookkeeping tasks, bookkeepers generally don’t take on the full role of an accountant. 

Because of this higher level of expertise, accountants charge significantly more than bookkeepers. As of 2025, bookkeepers in the U.S. typically charge $20 to $60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and complexity. Accountants (or CPAs) now often charge $150 to $400 per hour, sometimes more for specialized work. If you are wondering how much does a bookkeeper cost compared to an accountant, these figures make the difference quite clear. 

How Much Does a Bookkeeper Cost for a Small Business? 

On average, small businesses today spend $600 to $3,000 per month for bookkeeping services. The exact cost depends on several factors, such as: 

• The size of your business
• How complex your financial operations are
• The number of monthly transactions to track
• The experience, location, and qualifications of the bookkeeper
• The type of services or hours you need 

Your total cost also depends on how you pay (salary, hourly, or flat fee) and whether you hire someone in-house, a freelancer, or use an online bookkeeping service. Understanding how much does a bookkeeper cost can help you decide which model best suits your business and budget. 

In-House Bookkeepers 

Hiring an in-house bookkeeper means you’ll have them as a part-time or full-time employee on your payroll. This gives you more control but also higher costs, since you’ll cover benefits, training, and overhead. As of 2025, the average salary for an in-house bookkeeper in the U.S. is around $48,000 to $55,000 per year, depending on experience and location. Entry-level roles may start near $40,000, while bookkeepers in major cities like New York or San Francisco can earn over $60,000 annually. If your company is large or has complex books, an in-house bookkeeper may make sense. But for most small businesses, a remote or online service is more cost-effective. 

Freelance Bookkeepers 

Freelance bookkeepers usually charge by the hour. In 2025, their rates typically range from $25 to $70 per hour, depending on their skills, certifications, and where they’re based. Hiring a freelancer can be a good choice if you only need help occasionally—for example, during tax season or when catching up on past records. You’ll pay only for the hours worked, which can keep short-term costs low. However, hourly billing can become expensive if your books are behind or require more time than expected. It also means less consistency, since freelancers might not always be available long-term. So, when evaluating how much does a bookkeeper cost, it’s essential to factor in reliability and availability, not just hourly rates. 

Outsourced Bookkeepers 

Outsourced bookkeepers, like those provided by KMK Ventures, are professionals or specialized firms that handle your company’s bookkeeping tasks remotely—offering a cost-effective, scalable alternative to hiring in-house staff. They manage all day-to-day financial processes such as tracking expenses, reconciling accounts, managing payroll, and preparing financial reports. Unlike in-house employees, outsourced bookkeepers work as an external extension of your team, using secure cloud-based platforms and automation tools to ensure accuracy, transparency, and real-time visibility into your financials. 

For small and mid-sized businesses wondering how much does a bookkeeper cost, outsourcing is often the most affordable route. Outsourced bookkeeping services at KMK Ventures allow you to focus on core business activities while ensuring accurate, secure, and scalable bookkeeping tailored to your specific needs—resulting in cost savings of over 50%. We exclusively work with U.S.-based companies and leverage talent from India to provide cost-effective outsourced bookkeeping solutions. Our rate for staff accountants starts at just $15 per hour, which is over 50% lower than the costs in the U.S. 

Read Also: Hiring a Bookkeeper in 2025: What You Need to Know Before You Decide

How KMK Ventures Helps 

KMK Ventures serves as a trusted outsourced accounting and bookkeeping partner for U.S.-based businesses seeking reliable, high-quality financial management. Acting as your extended finance team, KMK Ventures combines advanced accounting technology with experienced professionals to deliver end-to-end bookkeeping services—from transaction recording and reconciliations to month-end reporting and compliance. KMK’s team ensures accuracy, timeliness, and confidentiality while helping businesses streamline their financial workflows. With a white-label model and flexible engagement options, KMK Ventures allows companies to focus on growth while we handle the financial backbone, efficiently, securely, and seamlessly. 

Conclusion 

When evaluating how much does a bookkeeper cost, it’s important to look beyond just hourly rates or monthly retainers. The real value lies in accuracy, reliability, and peace of mind—qualities that a seasoned outsourcing partner like KMK Ventures brings to every engagement. Whether you need full-charge bookkeeping or scalable financial support, outsourcing to KMK Ventures can significantly reduce costs, minimize errors, and free up your time to focus on business growth. Still unsure which option is right for your business? That’s where KMK Ventures comes in, by helping you make smarter financial decisions with confidence and clarity.