In today’s business world, bookkeeping plays a major role. Whether it’s a small shop or a big company, bookkeepers are needed to maintain daily financial records.
But what is the bookkeeper salary in India? How much can you expect to earn or pay? What’s the bookkeeping salary in India for different roles?
This article gives you a full overview of the salary of bookkeeper in India, and also covers the ongoing rate for bookkeeper in India.
If you’re planning to become a bookkeeper or thinking of hiring one, this long and in-depth guide will help you understand all aspects of bookkeeping salary in India.
What Does a Bookkeeper Do?
A bookkeeper records financial data. Every day, money comes in and goes out of a business. Bookkeepers keep track of all these transactions. They prepare reports, manage ledgers, and help during audits.
Main tasks include:
- Recording income and expenses
- Managing receipts, invoices, and payments
- Reconciling bank statements
- Assisting in GST filing and payroll
- Preparing basic financial reports
They do not make big financial decisions, but their work helps accountants and business owners do that.
Bookkeeper Salary in India – Monthly and Yearly Overview
The bookkeeper salary in India depends on experience, skills, education, and city. Entry-level bookkeepers earn less, while experienced ones get better pay.
Bookkeeping Salary in India by Experience
| Experience Level | Monthly Salary (INR) | Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 years) | ₹12,000 – ₹20,000 | ₹1.5 lakh – ₹2.4 lakh |
| Mid-Level (3–5 years) | ₹20,000 – ₹35,000 | ₹2.5 lakh – ₹4.2 lakh |
| Senior-Level (6+ years) | ₹35,000 – ₹60,000 | ₹4.5 lakh – ₹7.2 lakh |
| Freelancers (Avg.) | ₹300 – ₹1,000/day | ₹9,000 – ₹25,000/month |
Salaries are usually higher in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Pune. In rural areas or tier-3 cities, the pay may be lower but still stable.
Salary of Bookkeeper in India by Employment Type
There are different types of bookkeepers. Each type earns differently.
1. Full-time In-house Bookkeepers
They are salaried employees. They work with one company. Their income is fixed. Benefits may include PF, medical insurance, bonus, and paid leave.
2. Freelance Bookkeepers
They work with multiple clients. They charge hourly or per task. Their income varies. Many freelancers work from home.
3. Remote or Virtual Bookkeepers
They are employed by companies, sometimes abroad. They work online. Many get paid in dollars or euros, especially if hired by US or UK firms.
4. Part-time Bookkeepers
They work for a few hours a day. Often used by small firms. Paid on a weekly or monthly basis.
5. Agency-based Bookkeepers
They work under a CA or accounting firm. Usually paid less than private jobs but get stable work.
Bookkeeping Salary in India – Based on Tools and Skills
Knowing certain software increases salary of bookkeeper in India. Today, manual books are rare. Businesses want bookkeepers who know accounting tools.
Popular tools that boost salary:
- Tally ERP 9 or Tally Prime
- QuickBooks
- Zoho Books
- Busy Accounting Software
- Microsoft Excel (Advanced level)
- Marg ERP
- Xero (for global clients)
Bookkeepers who know 2–3 tools usually get paid more.
Ongoing Rate for Bookkeeper in India – Latest Data
Let’s now talk about the ongoing rate for bookkeeper in India in 2025. Many bookkeepers charge based on time or tasks.
Hourly rates:
- Beginners: ₹150 – ₹300 per hour
- Intermediate: ₹400 – ₹800 per hour
- Experts or Certified Bookkeepers: ₹800 – ₹1,500 per hour
Task-based pricing:
- Bank reconciliation: ₹500 – ₹1,000 per month
- GST return filing: ₹500 – ₹1,500 per return
- Payroll processing: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 per month
- Final account prep: ₹5,000 – ₹15,000 annually
Monthly bookkeeping charges:
| Business Type | Monthly Cost (Freelancer) |
|---|---|
| Small Business (no GST) | ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 |
| GST-registered (simple) | ₹6,000 – ₹12,000 |
| GST with payroll & stock | ₹12,000 – ₹25,000 |
| Medium business or startup | ₹25,000 – ₹40,000 |
| Large firm with full scope | ₹40,000 – ₹70,000+ |
These rates change based on complexity, transaction volume, and location.
Factors That Affect Bookkeeper Salary in India
Many things change the salary of bookkeeper in India:
- Location: Metro cities pay more.
- Experience: More years, more salary.
- Certification: Certified bookkeepers earn 20–30% more.
- Tools knowledge: Better software skills = better pay.
- Freelance vs employee: Freelancers may earn more per hour, but with no job security.
- Industry type: IT, retail, e-commerce, finance firms pay higher.
- Job role: Some bookkeepers also handle income tax or audits, and earn more.
Growth in Bookkeeping Jobs in India
Digital India, startup growth, GST laws, and increased financial awareness have increased demand for skilled bookkeepers. In tier-2 cities and online platforms, demand for freelance bookkeeping services is growing fast.
Global companies also look for Indian remote bookkeepers. They save cost, and Indian talent is now trained in global tools like Xero, QuickBooks, and FreshBooks.
Even gig platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer have thousands of open bookkeeping jobs. You can now earn global income from home.
How to Earn More as a Bookkeeper in India
If you’re a bookkeeper or planning to become one, here’s how you can increase your income:
- Learn at least 2 bookkeeping software tools
- Get certified by Tally, QuickBooks, or a CA firm
- Offer GST filing and tax-related help
- Build a professional profile on LinkedIn
- Create a website or page for freelance services
- Work with clients from abroad
- Keep records clean and accurate — word of mouth matters
Consistency and reputation bring more clients and better pay.
Conclusion
The bookkeeper salary in India depends on many factors, but there is strong and growing demand. From freelance jobs to full-time positions, opportunities are increasing across India and even internationally. Knowing the bookkeeping salary in India helps job seekers and business owners set proper expectations. Whether you’re a fresher or an expert, understanding the ongoing rate for bookkeeper in India helps you charge fair and competitive rates.
As India continues to digitalize business and tax systems, the salary of bookkeeper in India is expected to grow further. Bookkeeping is no longer just a data entry job—it is a skilled, respected, and in-demand profession.