How Much Does a Bookkeeper Cost for a Small Business? (2025 Guide)
If you’re asking, “How much does a bookkeeper cost for a small business?” — you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we get at Lang Bookkeeping. The answer depends on your needs, your transaction volume, and whether you go with hourly, in-house, or flat-rate monthly support.
Below, we break it all down so you know what to expect and how to avoid overpaying.
Average Bookkeeping Costs in 2025
Here are the current U.S. averages:
- In-House Bookkeeper (Full-Time): $45,000–$65,000/year + benefits
- Part-Time In-House Bookkeeper: $20–$35/hour
- Freelance Bookkeeper: $35–$60/hour (varies by experience)
- Remote Bookkeeping Services (Flat Rate): $200–$600/month for most small businesses
Takeaway: Most small businesses don’t need a full-time bookkeeper — flat-rate remote packages are the best value.
Flat-Rate vs. Hourly Bookkeeping
Flat-rate bookkeeping means you pay one monthly price for a set of services (like reconciliations, financial reports, etc). You know your costs upfront — and you’re not charged for quick questions.
Hourly bookkeeping can make sense if you only need occasional help. But rates vary, and costs can add up quickly if your books are messy or behind.
At Lang Bookkeeping, we offer flat monthly packages so you know exactly what you’re paying for — no surprises.
What Affects Bookkeeping Cost?
- Transaction Volume: More bank/credit card activity = more work
- Number of Accounts: Multiple bank or payment accounts take more time to reconcile
- Business Complexity: Payroll, inventory, or sales tax tracking can increase your rate
- Cleanliness of Records: Messy books cost more to fix — but we offer catch-up bookkeeping if you’re behind
Real-World Examples
Example 1: A solo freelancer with one bank account, no employees, and under 100 monthly transactions may only need a $200/month package.
Example 2: A small retail business with inventory, sales tax, and 3 bank accounts might land in the $400–$600/month range.
We customize every quote based on your business — contact us here for a free quote.
Is a Bookkeeper Worth It?
If you’re spending more than 3–5 hours a month trying to handle your books, or you feel stressed every time you open QuickBooks, the answer is yes.
Hiring a professional saves you time, reduces errors, and gives you accurate financial reports that help you grow — not guess.
Looking for an Affordable Bookkeeper?
Reach out here and we’ll give you a flat, honest quote based on your current situation. No sales pressure — just clear answers.
Helpful Links
FAQ: Bookkeeping Costs for Small Businesses
How much should I budget for bookkeeping?
Plan on $200–$500/month for professional service, depending on your needs. For micro-businesses, it may be less. For complex companies, it may be more.
Can I do my own bookkeeping to save money?
You can — but most business owners eventually fall behind, make mistakes, or avoid it altogether. DIY is rarely worth the time or risk long term.
Is hiring a bookkeeper cheaper than an accountant?
Yes. Bookkeepers handle day-to-day records. Accountants file taxes and offer higher-level advice. You often need both, but the bookkeeper costs far less month to month.
Is bookkeeping tax-deductible?
Yes. Bookkeeping services are a legitimate business expense. Ask your accountant how to write it off.
How do I get a quote from Lang Bookkeeping?
Fill out this short form and we’ll respond with a flat monthly quote within 1 business day.