What does a bookkeeper do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Bookkeepers, formally bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks, produce financial records for organizations. They post transactions, record payments, check figures for accuracy and reconcile differences. Employers generally prefer a high school diploma plus college courses in related subjects such as accounting. Licenses are not usually required, and training is on the job.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| O*NET-SOC code | 43-3031.00 (Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks) |
| Typical entry-level education | Some college, no degree |
| Training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Licensing | Not usually required; optional certification |
| Median annual wage | $50,670 per year (May 2025, BLS) |
| Projected growth | -6 percent, 2025 to 2035 (decline) |
| Number of jobs | 1,532,400 (2025) |
| Projected openings | About 144,100 per year, on average, over the decade |
What does a bookkeeper do?
The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) lists these duties:
- Use bookkeeping software, spreadsheets and databases.
- Enter (post) financial transactions into the appropriate computer software.
- Receive and record cash, checks and vouchers.
- Put costs (debits) and income (credits) into the software, assigning each to an appropriate account.
- Produce reports such as balance sheets, income statements and totals by account.
- Check for accuracy in figures, postings and reports.
- Reconcile or note and report any differences they find in the records.
Work environment
Professional, scientific and technical services employ 14 percent of these clerks, construction 8 percent, retail trade 7 percent, wholesale trade 7 percent and healthcare and social assistance 6 percent. They usually work in an office and most work full time. Hours can run longer near fiscal year-end, at tax time or during periodic audits.
Education, training and licensing
- Education: Employers generally prefer candidates with a high school diploma and college courses in related subjects such as accounting. Some pursue a bachelor's degree, often in business.
- Training: Typically on the job, working alongside an experienced clerk, plus formal training in specialized software.
- Licenses and certifications: Not usually required. Optional professional certification is available, with information on CareerOneStop.
- Advancement: With experience and more education, some become accountants or auditors.
Skills that matter
The OOH names analytical skills, computer skills, attention to detail, integrity and math skills. O*NET lists the skills, knowledge and work activities for this occupation, which is useful when you tailor a resume.
How much do bookkeepers make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $50,670 per year (May 2025). The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,000 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $74,550. Our guide on how to research pay explains how to compare this with an offer.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment to decline 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, a loss of 85,600 jobs. About 144,100 openings are projected each year on average over the decade, all from replacing workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.
How to get hired
- Take accounting coursework. College courses in accounting are what employers generally prefer, and a community college program is a common route.
- Learn bookkeeping software and spreadsheets. Name the tools you can use, and the volume and type of transactions you handled.
- Show accuracy. Describe reconciliations you completed and errors you caught. Our ATS resume guide covers how to format it.
- Moving from another office role? See career change resume, or no experience resume if you are new.
- Search steadily. Use our find a job fast routine and search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Accountants and auditors; budget analysts; cost estimators; financial clerks; loan officers; tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents; bill and account collectors; purchasing managers, buyers and purchasing agents; secretaries and administrative assistants; tellers.
Frequently asked questions
Do bookkeepers need a license? Licenses and certifications are not usually required. Optional professional certification is available.
Do you need a degree to be a bookkeeper? Employers generally prefer a high school diploma plus college courses in related subjects such as accounting.
Can a bookkeeper become an accountant? With experience and more education, some can become accountants or auditors.
Is bookkeeping in demand? BLS projects a 6 percent decline from 2025 to 2035, with about 144,100 openings a year from replacement needs.
Related guides
Sources
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/bookkeeping-accounting-and-auditing-clerks.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks (43-3031.00): https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/43-3031.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.