Bookkeeper: Career Overview

Official government data · Updated April 2026

Bookkeepers earn a national median of $49,210/yr with -5.8% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in Customer and Personal Service, Administrative, Mathematics.

Median Salary

$49,210

National · 2024

10-Year Growth

-5.8%

Declining

Employed Nationally

1,455,770

2024 data

Typical Education

Some college, no degree

Entry-level

What Employers Expect From a Bookkeeper

These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Bookkeeper candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:

1 Mathematics 2 Reading Comprehension 3 Active Listening 4 Critical Thinking 5 Writing 6 Speaking 7 Monitoring 8 Time Management 9 Coordination 10 Service Orientation

Knowledge Areas

Core knowledge domains most important for Bookkeeper performance, based on verified occupational data.

Customer and Personal Service Administrative Mathematics English Language Economics and Accounting

Tools & Technologies

High-demand tools and technologies for Bookkeeper roles.

Accounting software Intuit QuickBooks Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Word Adobe Acrobat Epic Systems Google Docs MEDITECH software

Job Outlook: 2024–2034

Employment is projected to grow -5.8% for Bookkeeper roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's declining compared to the 4% average across all occupations.

Current Employment
1,455,770
Projected Growth
-5.8%
Typical Education
Some college, no degree

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Bookkeeper do?
Bookkeepers apply expertise in Customer and Personal Service, Administrative, Mathematics to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking.
How much does a Bookkeeper make?
The national median salary for a Bookkeeper is $49,210 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
Is Bookkeeper a good career in 2026?
Employment for Bookkeeper roles is projected to grow -5.8% over the 2024–2034 decade — declining compared to all occupations. There are currently 1,455,770 workers in this occupation nationally.
What education do you need to become a Bookkeeper?
The typical entry-level education for a Bookkeeper is Some college, no degree. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
What skills do Bookkeepers need?
The most important skills for Bookkeeper roles based on verified occupational data: Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Writing, Speaking, Monitoring, Time Management, Coordination, Service Orientation. Key tools and technologies include: Accounting software, Intuit QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook.

Does Your Resume Cover These Skills?

Tap the skills that are currently on your resume.

Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.