Outsourced bookkeeping cost for a small business typically runs $300 to $2,500 per month, depending on transaction volume and services included, compared to an in-house bookkeeper who costs $45,000–$55,000+ per year in salary alone, before taxes, benefits, software, and training are added in. For most small businesses under a certain size, outsourced bookkeeping costs significantly less while delivering the same — or more consistent — results.
If you’re trying to decide whether to hire an in-house bookkeeper or outsource the work, the decision usually comes down to real numbers, not just preference. Here’s a full breakdown of what each option actually costs.
What Does an In-House Bookkeeper Cost?
Hiring an in-house bookkeeper involves more than just a salary. A full picture includes:
- Base salary: $45,000–$55,000+ per year for a qualified bookkeeper (varies by region and experience)
- Payroll taxes: Roughly 7.65% employer-side FICA, plus unemployment insurance
- Benefits: Health insurance, PTO, and retirement contributions if offered
- Software and tools: QuickBooks or similar subscriptions, typically $30–$80/month
- Training and turnover risk: Onboarding time, and the cost of rehiring if the position turns over
When you add it up, a full-time in-house bookkeeper often costs a small business $55,000–$70,000+ per year in total, even before accounting for management time spent overseeing the role.
What Does Outsourced Bookkeeping Cost?
Outsourced bookkeeping is typically priced as a flat monthly rate based on transaction volume and the services included:
- Basic monthly bookkeeping: $300–$800/month for smaller businesses with lower transaction volume
- Mid-size business bookkeeping: $800–$1,800/month, often including reconciliation, reporting, and payroll support
- Full-service bookkeeping with tax prep: $1,500–$2,500+/month for businesses that want bookkeeping and tax filing handled together
Unlike an in-house hire, outsourced bookkeeping costs scale with your business size and needs — you’re not paying a fixed salary regardless of how busy or slow a given month is.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
| In-House Bookkeeper | Outsourced Bookkeeping | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical annual cost | $55,000–$70,000+ | $3,600–$30,000 |
| Payroll taxes & benefits | Yes, added cost | Not applicable |
| Software costs | Paid separately | Usually included |
| Coverage during absences | None (single point of failure) | Continuous, team-backed |
| Scales with business size | No (fixed cost) | Yes (flexible pricing) |
| Access to specialized expertise | Limited to one person’s skill set | Broader team knowledge |
Hidden Costs Most Business Owners Forget
- Management time. Someone still has to review and oversee an in-house bookkeeper’s work, which takes time away from running the business.
- Turnover gaps. If an in-house bookkeeper leaves, there’s often a costly gap in coverage and a learning curve for their replacement.
- Error correction. A less experienced in-house hire may make mistakes that go unnoticed until tax season, requiring costly cleanup later.
- Software and system costs. These are frequently left out of in-house cost estimates but add up over a year.
Which Option Makes Sense for Your Business
- Very high transaction volume, complex multi-entity structure? An in-house team (or a hybrid model) may make sense at scale.
- Small to mid-size business, single entity, standard transaction volume? Outsourced bookkeeping almost always costs less and delivers more consistent results.
- Seasonal or fluctuating workload? Outsourced bookkeeping flexes with you; an in-house salary doesn’t shrink in slow months.
For the vast majority of small businesses in Sanford and Central Florida, outsourced bookkeeping cost comes out significantly lower than a full-time hire, without sacrificing accuracy or reliability. See our Monthly Bookkeeping Services for exact pricing based on your business, or browse our full range of services.
For general small business cost benchmarks, the U.S. Small Business Administration also publishes guidance on typical operating expense planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does outsourced bookkeeping cost per month?
Outsourced bookkeeping typically costs $300 to $2,500 per month for small businesses, depending on transaction volume and whether tax preparation is included.
Is outsourced bookkeeping cheaper than hiring in-house?
Yes, for most small businesses. An in-house bookkeeper often costs $55,000–$70,000+ per year once salary, taxes, benefits, and software are included, while outsourced bookkeeping usually costs a fraction of that.
What’s included in outsourced bookkeeping pricing?
Most outsourced bookkeeping packages include transaction categorization, bank reconciliation, financial reporting, and often payroll support, with tax preparation available as an add-on or bundled service.
Does outsourced bookkeeping cost more as my business grows?
Pricing typically scales with transaction volume and complexity, but it remains more flexible than a fixed in-house salary, since you’re not paying for capacity you don’t need in slower periods.
Can I switch from in-house to outsourced bookkeeping mid-year?
Yes. Most outsourced bookkeeping providers can review your existing records and transition your books smoothly, regardless of when in the year you switch.
Want an Exact Cost Estimate for Your Business?
Every business is different, and the fastest way to know your real outsourced bookkeeping cost is a quick conversation. Book a free consultation with our Sanford, FL team, or visit our homepage to learn more.
