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How much does remote bookkeeping really pay?
US bookkeeping and accounting clerks earn a median $24.36 an hour. Small businesses need the work done every month.
Small firms pay someone to keep their books. It suits careful people.
What do you need for bookkeeping?
- AccuracySmall errors matter.
- Accounting software skillsClients expect you to know their tools.
- TrustYou will see a client’s money.
What bookkeeping really pays
| Item | Figure | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| US median, bookkeeping clerks | $24.36 an hour | 2025 figure, or $50,670 a year, for employed staff |
| Job outlook | Decline (1% or more) | Projected 2025 to 2035 |
| Freelance rates | No official figure | Set by you and your client |
| US self-employment tax | 15.3% | If you work for yourself in the US |
What it adds up to
| Hours a week | A week at $24.36 an hour |
|---|---|
| 10 hours a week | $243.60 |
| 20 hours a week | $487.20 |
| 40 hours a week | $974.40 |
The US median for employed bookkeeping clerks, before tax. Freelance rates have no official figure. Our sums on the US figure above: an example, not a promise.
When does bookkeeping pay you?
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Paid out at | Set by your client or platform |
| First money | Set by your client or platform |
What is the catch with bookkeeping?
- Local rules can require a licence for some accounting work, so check yours.
- The median is for employed staff.
How to start with bookkeeping
- Learn one accounting packagePick the one small firms near you use.
- Start with one local clientA referral brings the next.
- Charge monthlyRegular work is the main appeal.
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Sources
- O*NET (US Department of Labor): Bookkeeping Clerks, checked 5 Nov 2026
- IRS: self-employment tax, checked 5 Nov 2026