There are currently an estimated 1,730,500 bookkeepers in the United States. The bookkeeper job market is expected to shrink by -1.5% between 2016 and 2026.

How employable are bookkeepers?

CareerExplorer rates bookkeepers with a D employability rating, meaning this career should provide weak employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will lose -20,400 bookkeepers. That number is based on the retirement of 4,800 existing bookkeepers.

Are bookkeepers in demand?

The bookkeeping industry, like the fields of switchboard operation, word processing, and others, faces the challenge of software programs which can perform jobs previously carried out by humans. Still, while technology has reduced the need for bookkeepers to conduct trivial bookkeeping tasks, it is increasing the demand for skilled workers able to understand new technologies and operate new systems. This fact suggests that though fewer jobs are likely to exist in the field, the ones that remain should pay more, require more advanced skills, and involve greater responsibility. Because bookkeepers are essential in all kinds of businesses, openings may be more numerous in financial centres and large metropolitan areas. Aspiring bookkeepers who choose to specialize in a particular portfolio, such as scientific or technical services, construction, or forestry will, of course, augment their job prospects in those industries. General demand may be increased as accounting regulation laws are tightened and as financial crises cause investors to pay greater attention to corporate bookkeeping and transparency. Of course, healthy economies will generate additional need for bookkeepers. Many employers require applicants for bookkeeper positions to hold only a high school diploma, as this occupation often entails significant on-the-job training. It is not uncommon, however, for hiring companies to seek out candidates with an associate degree in accounting or business and training in data entry and bookkeeping software programs. While certification in this profession remains voluntary, applicants with the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) credential from The American Institute of Bookkeepers (AIPB) are considered among the most employable. Those who demonstrate strong attention to detail further enhance their prospects. Experienced and accomplished bookkeepers may find that their skills are transferable to positions such as financial supervisor, financial analyst, and financial manager.

What’s the supply of bookkeepers?

The bookkeeper industry is concentrated in California, Texas, New York

Bookkeeper job market by state

State Name Employed Bookkeepers
California 186,410
Texas 125,090
New York 109,140
Florida 94,170
Ohio 58,120
Pennsylvania 57,760
Illinois 52,390
Massachusetts 45,050
North Carolina 43,750
New Jersey 43,590
Georgia 39,360
Virginia 39,310
Michigan 38,440
Wisconsin 35,560
Washington 33,970
Minnesota 32,090
Missouri 29,980
Tennessee 29,060
Indiana 28,830
Colorado 27,340
Oregon 23,700
Maryland 22,200
Arizona 21,750
Alabama 21,500
Oklahoma 21,280
South Carolina 20,250
Kentucky 20,230
Louisiana 20,210
Iowa 19,600
Connecticut 17,080
Kansas 16,050
Utah 13,670
Arkansas 12,070
Mississippi 11,840
Nevada 11,830
Nebraska 11,540
South Dakota 9,550
Idaho 8,790
Puerto Rico 7,950
Montana 7,940
New Hampshire 7,600
New Mexico 7,580
West Virginia 7,430
Delaware 7,390
Maine 7,070
Hawaii 6,280
North Dakota 5,930
Rhode Island 5,840
Vermont 5,530
Alaska 4,300
District of Columbia 3,810
Wyoming 3,090
Guam 820
Virgin Islands, U.S. 400