FAQ
Bookkeeper FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a bookkeeper.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a bookkeeper: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about bookkeepers
Do bookkeepers need a degree?
Usually not. Many learn through certificate programs or on the job. BLS lists some college as typical, and software certifications are highly valued.
What’s the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?
Bookkeepers record and organize transactions; accountants analyze, prepare taxes and financial statements and provide advice, often with a degree or CPA license.
Can bookkeepers work from home?
Yes. Cloud accounting software makes remote and freelance bookkeeping common.
How much does a bookkeeper make?
The median annual wage for bookkeepers was $50,670 ($24.36 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $36,000 and the highest 10% earned more than $74,550.
How long does it take to become a bookkeeper?
Most people need about 3–12 months of training. BLS lists some college as typical. Many bookkeepers complete a bookkeeping or accounting certificate, and software certifications such as QuickBooks ProAdvisor are highly valued.
Do you need a degree to be a bookkeeper?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “some college, no degree” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Is bookkeeper a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change -5.6% from 2025–35 (a projected decline), with about 144,100 openings each year. Upsides include remote and freelance opportunities; a common challenge is that projected job decline as software automates entry.
What skills does a bookkeeper need?
Key technical skills include double-entry bookkeeping, quickbooks or xero, bank reconciliation, and accounts payable and receivable. Employers also value accuracy, integrity, and organization.
What certifications are available for bookkeepers?
Common credentials include Certified Bookkeeper (AIPB), QuickBooks Certified ProAdvisor, Xero Advisor certification, and Payroll certification (PayrollOrg FPC). Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Bookkeeper fit quiz, compare with Accountant, or explore Bookkeeper training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 43-3031 (Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.