How much do bookkeepers get paid?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a bookkeeper was $35,170 per year in 2012, with the bottom 10 percent earning less than $21,610 and the top 10 percent earning more than $54,310. Certification increases a bookkeeper's salary by 5 to 10 percent.

A survey by Robert Half Finance & Accounting found that certified bookkeepers could expect to earn $34,913 to $43,750 per year, as of 2013. Full charge bookkeepers, those who are responsible for financial statements, payroll taxes and other bookkeeping tasks, could expect to earn $43,500 to $59,250 per year in 2013, and 5 to 10 percent more if certified.