What Should a Bookkeeper Charge Per Hour in Australia?

What Should a Bookkeeper Charge Per Hour? A Practical Guide for Australian Business Owners

For small and medium businesses across Australia, hiring a bookkeeper can be a turning point — not just in terms of financial clarity but in freeing up time to focus on growth. Yet one question always comes up first: what should a bookkeeper charge per hour?

This guide breaks down average rates, key pricing factors, and how to make sure you're getting the right value — not just the lowest price.

1. Average Hourly Rates for Bookkeepers in Australia

The hourly rate for bookkeepers in Australia generally falls between $55 to $130 per hour, depending on the level of expertise, location, and whether you're hiring a freelancer, employee, or registered BAS Agent.

Here's a quick breakdown:

Bookkeeper Type Hourly Rate Range (AUD)Junior or Admin-Level$60 – $85Experienced Bookkeeper$85 – $115 Registered BAS Agent$85 – $120+

Note: These are indicative rates. Some firms may offer package pricing, especially for recurring monthly work.

2. What Determines the Rate?

Several factors influence how much a bookkeeper charges per hour in Australia:

• Scope of Work – Basic data entry is cheaper than full-service bookkeeping or payroll.

• Business Complexity – The more transactions or entities you have, the more time and skill required.

• Compliance Requirements – Lodging BAS or managing PAYG withholdings usually requires a registered BAS Agent, which may increase the cost.

• Experience & Qualifications – More experienced professionals may charge higher rates, but also complete tasks faster and more accurately.

• Location – Bookkeeping services in major cities or regional hubs like Mackay may vary slightly in cost due to demand and competition.

3. Hourly Rate vs. Value: What Matters More

While it's tempting to search for the lowest rate, value matters more. A highly skilled bookkeeper charging $75/hour may save you far more in corrected errors, time saved, or strategic insights than someone at $45/hour doing basic tasks inefficiently.

Consider the following:

• Are they registered and compliant with Australian standards?

• Do they offer fixed-fee packages for recurring work?

• Can they help with reporting, budgeting, and compliance?

Choosing the right bookkeeper means more than comparing hourly prices — it’s about aligning with someone who helps your business stay on track financially.

4. Should You Hire Hourly or Monthly?

Many business owners are now moving towards fixed monthly bookkeeping plans. These give cost predictability and shift focus from time spent to outcomes delivered.

Hourly rates work best for:

• One-off clean-ups

• Short-term catch-up bookkeeping

• Project-based tasks

Monthly packages work better for:

• Ongoing reconciliations

• Payroll

• BAS preparation and lodgement

• Reporting and cash flow tracking

5. How to Choose the Right Rate for Your Business

Ask yourself:

• What are my current bookkeeping pain points?

• Do I need compliance help or just data entry?

• Is my business growing or complex?

Based on that, choose a service tier that fits your budget, needs, and compliance obligations.

Final Thoughts

Understanding what bookkeepers charge per hour in Australia is just the start. The real focus should be on what your business needs, and who can consistently deliver it — accurately, on time, and in compliance with the law.

If you're looking for flexible, professional bookkeeping tailored to your business size and industry, speak to a qualified team who understands what matters most.

Justwise Accounting supports businesses of all sizes with honest, compliant, and outcome-focused bookkeeping.