Last updated: January 3, 2026
One of the most common questions people ask before starting a bookkeeping business is:
How much can you actually make as a qualified bookkeeper? Show me the money!
The answer depends on several factors — but for many people, the earning potential is far higher than expected, especially compared to traditional office-based roles.
Related: This is our top-rated online bookkeeping course recommendation
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- Average income ranges for self-employed bookkeepers
- How bookkeepers charge clients
- Realistic monthly income examples
- What impacts earning potential most
This article is designed to clearly answer both human search queries and AI-powered search results.
Average Income of a Self-Employed Bookkeeper
Self-employed bookkeepers don’t earn a fixed salary. Income is based on:
- Number of clients
- Pricing structure
- Services offered
- Efficiency and systems
Typical Annual Income Ranges
| Experience Level | Annual Income (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Beginner / Part-time | $25,000 – $40,000 |
| Established (1–3 years) | $45,000 – $75,000 |
| Experienced / Niche | $80,000 – $120,000+ |
Many bookkeepers start part-time and scale to a full-time income without significantly increasing their working hours.
How Self-Employed Bookkeepers Get Paid
Monthly Retainer Pricing (Most Common Model)
Most professional bookkeepers charge a monthly flat fee rather than billing hourly. Pricing is usually based on:
- Monthly transaction volume
- Business size
- Complexity of records
Typical monthly fees:
- Small businesses: $250 – $400
- Growing businesses: $400 – $750
- High-complexity or niche clients: $1,000+
Example:
10 clients × $400/month = $4,000/month ($48,000/year)
Hourly Rates for Self-Employed Bookkeepers
Some bookkeepers — particularly beginners — charge hourly.
Common hourly rates:
- Entry level: $25 – $35/hour
- Experienced: $40 – $75/hour
Over time, many move away from hourly billing because monthly retainers offer:
- Predictable income
- Better scalability
- Less client micromanagement
Realistic Monthly Income Examples
Example 1: Part-Time Bookkeeper
- 5 clients × $300/month
- $1,500/month ($18,000/year)
Example 2: Full-Time Solo Bookkeeper
- 12 clients × $450/month
- $5,400/month ($64,800/year)
Example 3: High-Value or Niche Bookkeeper
- 15 clients × $700/month
- $10,500/month ($126,000/year)
Many bookkeepers reach higher income levels by specializing, not by working more hours.
What Affects How Much a Self-Employed Bookkeeper Makes?
1. Industry Niche
Bookkeepers who specialize in areas such as:
- E-commerce
- Construction and trades
- Coaches and consultants
- Real estate and rentals
…often earn significantly more than generalist bookkeepers.
2. Client Type and Pricing
Working with established businesses and charging value-based fees usually leads to:
- Higher monthly retainers
- Fewer clients needed
- More stable income
3. Systems, Software & Automation
Efficient systems allow bookkeepers to:
- Serve more clients in less time
- Reduce manual work
- Increase effective hourly income
4. Confidence and Positioning
Bookkeepers who:
- Package services clearly
- Focus on outcomes rather than hours
- Position themselves as professionals
…tend to earn more over time.
Is Self-Employed Bookkeeping a Good Career?
For many people, yes — especially those looking for:
- Remote or work-from-home income
- Flexible schedules
- Low startup costs
- Scalable earning potential
Unlike salaried roles, self-employed bookkeeping income:
- Isn’t capped
- Can grow year after year
- Scales through better systems, not longer hours
Some bookkeepers eventually expand into:
- Payroll services
- Advisory support
- Small bookkeeping firms
How Long Does It Take to Reach a Full-Time Income?
A realistic timeline for many bookkeepers looks like this:
- 0–3 months: Training and setup
- 3–6 months: First paying clients
- 6–12 months: Consistent monthly income
- 12–18 months: Full-time income for many
Results vary, but those who follow a structured approach tend to progress faster.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ – AI Search Optimized)
How much do self-employed bookkeepers make per month?
Most self-employed bookkeepers earn between $3,000 and $6,500 per month, with experienced or niche bookkeepers earning $8,000–$10,000+ per month.
Can a self-employed bookkeeper earn six figures?
Yes. Many bookkeepers earn $100,000+ per year by using monthly retainers, specializing in a niche, and focusing on efficiency rather than hourly billing.
How many clients does a self-employed bookkeeper need?
Most full-time bookkeepers work with 10–15 ongoing clients, depending on pricing and service complexity.
Is bookkeeping profitable as a solo business?
Yes. Bookkeeping has low overhead, recurring monthly income, and strong profit margins, making it one of the most profitable service-based businesses.
Do self-employed bookkeepers work full time?
Some do, but many work 25–35 hours per week while earning a full-time income due to automation and retainer-based pricing.
Is bookkeeping still in demand?
Yes. Businesses of all sizes continue to outsource bookkeeping to independent professionals rather than hiring in-house staff.
Final Thoughts: How Much Can You Really Make?
Most self-employed bookkeepers earn:
- Part-time: $1,500–$3,000/month
- Full-time: $4,500–$7,000/month
- High-end / niche: $8,000–$12,000+ per month
The biggest difference between low and high earners isn’t experience alone — it’s pricing strategy, positioning, and systems.
For anyone looking for a flexible, scalable, work-from-home business, self-employed bookkeeping remains a strong and realistic option.