Research Summary. The Zippia data team has leveraged a combination of public government data and insights from thousands of job postings to create updated average salary estimates for bookkeeping roles across the U.S. This analysis highlights the highest-paying bookkeeper roles based on their average annual salaries as of 2026.
Below is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of bookkeepers:
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Account Payables Analyst tops the list as the highest-paid bookkeeper with an average salary of $54,356 and an average hourly rate of $26.13.
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Following closely is the Accounting Associate, with an average salary of $50,537.
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The average bookkeeper salary overall is $40,337 per year, translating to an average hourly pay of $19.39.
Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs
Background
Choosing a career path can be challenging. While salary should not be the sole factor in your decision, it is a crucial aspect to consider. If you’re aiming for a bookkeeping career, understanding which positions offer the highest compensation can significantly influence your career planning.
Here are the top salaries for various bookkeeping roles:
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Account Payables Analyst
Average Salary: $54,356
The Account Payables Analyst is responsible for managing and processing invoices and payments with accuracy and timeliness. Their role involves collaborating with various departments to gather data, processing payments to vendors, identifying discrepancies, and providing solutions. Additionally, they handle clerical tasks such as generating progress reports and managing communication with stakeholders.
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Accounting Associate
Average Salary: $50,537
The Accounting Associate supports the accounting department’s operations, ensuring financial accuracy and stability. Responsibilities include processing invoices, updating client accounts, managing financial reports, and assisting with audit processes. They must possess strong analytical and time-management skills, as well as a solid understanding of accounting principles.
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Junior Accountant
Average Salary: $50,444
Junior Accountants are tasked with maintaining accurate financial records, which includes posting journal entries, managing accounts receivable and payable, and preparing financial statements. Essential skills for this role include analytical thinking, problem-solving, and proficiency with accounting software.
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Account Associate
Average Salary: $48,927
Account Associates support accounting and finance functions by performing bookkeeping tasks, analyzing financial statements, and assisting with payroll. Their role requires excellent analytical abilities and strong communication skills to address client inquiries efficiently.
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Accounting Administrator
Average Salary: $48,068
Accounting Administrators manage account statements, ensure efficient cash flow, and resolve financial discrepancies. They maintain thorough records for auditing and reporting purposes and must possess strong knowledge of accounting principles and excellent communication skills.
The table below provides a comprehensive overview of the average salaries for various bookkeeping roles, along with a detailed explanation of our methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Bookkeepers
Methodology
Zippia utilizes publicly available information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to derive its salary estimates.
Our data science team also reviews job postings and company-released resources for current salary information for bookkeepers.
Upon gathering the data, the team computes a weighted average for each job title. For additional details on our salary estimates, refer to our detailed methodology.
Highest-Paying Types Of Bookkeeper Jobs FAQs
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What is the highest-paid bookkeeper job?
The highest-paid bookkeeper job is an Account Payables Analyst. Account Payables Analysts earn an average salary of $54,356, or $26.13 hourly.
They are responsible for managing invoices and payments, ensuring accuracy and timeliness, collaborating with departments to gather necessary data, and resolving discrepancies. Additionally, they may perform clerical duties such as producing reports and managing communication.
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What is a good salary for a bookkeeper?
A good salary for a bookkeeper is $40,337 or higher. This figure represents the average salary, so those earning at least this amount are above the average pay scale.
However, salaries can vary significantly by location due to differences in the cost of living. It’s advisable to research local salaries for similar roles to assess your compensation accurately.
Entry-level bookkeepers typically earn around $28,506, so it’s important to consider experience levels when evaluating salary expectations.
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Do bookkeeper jobs pay well?
Bookkeeper jobs have varied pay scales. While the average salary of $40,337 is below the national average of around $44,225, there are opportunities for higher earnings, particularly for experienced professionals.
The top 10% of bookkeepers can earn an average of $53,471 annually, and salaries depend on experience, industry, and location.
It’s essential to conduct research on salary trends in your area and be prepared to negotiate based on your qualifications.
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Where do bookkeepers get paid the most?
Bookkeepers earn the highest salaries in Delaware. In Delaware, the average annual salary is $44,991, with an average hourly wage of $21.63.
The states following Delaware with the highest pay for bookkeepers are New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, offering average annual salaries of $48,079, $46,977, and $47,205, respectively.
The cities with the highest bookkeeper salaries include:
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Washington, DC – $48,188
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New York, NY – $48,135
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Boston, MA – $47,119
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Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
