How Much Does a Bookkeeper Cost in New York? In-House vs Remote (2026 Guide)
If you run a business in New York City, Long Island, Westchester or anywhere upstate, bookkeeping is one of the first jobs you outgrow doing yourself. This guide breaks down what each option really costs, what a remote bookkeeper does day to day, and how to hire one without risking your data.
What an in-house bookkeeper really costs in New York
The salary is only the starting point. When you hire locally, you also pay for everything around the role.
- Salary: experienced bookkeepers in the New York metro area commonly earn $55,000 to $75,000 a year.
- Payroll taxes: employer Social Security, Medicare, federal and New York unemployment insurance, and paid family leave contributions.
- Benefits: health insurance, paid time off and retirement matching often add 20% to 30% on top of salary.
- Overheads: a desk, a computer, software licences, training and the time it takes you to recruit and manage the role.
Add those together and a $65,000 salary quickly becomes $6,000 or more every month.
What a remote bookkeeper costs
A dedicated remote bookkeeper through SolveLedger is a flat $2,000 per month. There are no payroll taxes, benefits or equipment costs for you to cover, and there is no recruiting fee.
| In-house (New York) | SolveLedger remote bookkeeper | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | About $5,500 to $7,500 | $2,000 |
| Experience | Varies | 5+ years, every bookkeeper |
| Payroll taxes and benefits | You pay | Included |
| Cover during leave | You arrange it | We arrange it |
| Reviewed by a CA/CPA | Rarely | Always |
What your remote bookkeeper does every month
Your bookkeeper works only on your business and follows the same checklist every month.
- Records and categorizes every bank and credit card transaction.
- Reconciles every bank and credit card account to the statement, down to $0.00.
- Manages accounts payable and receivable, so bills and invoices don't slip.
- Supports payroll and prepares contractor 1099 information.
- Closes the month and sends you a profit and loss statement and balance sheet you can trust.
Is it safe to use an offshore bookkeeper?
Yes, when it is set up properly. Your bookkeeper works with read-only access to your bank feeds and accounting software, so nobody outside your business can move money. All work is covered by signed confidentiality agreements, and every file is reviewed by a CA, CPA and ACCA-qualified lead before it reaches you.
Try before you hire: the $89 reconciliation trial
Not ready to commit? Upload three months of bank and credit card statements and we will reconcile them for $89. You will see exactly how we work, and you keep the reconciliation report either way. Start the $89 trial.
Hire your own remote bookkeeper for $2,000 a month
Experienced bookkeepers from India or the Philippines, up to 70% cheaper than in-house. Or try us first: 3 months of bank and credit card statements reconciled for $89.
Book a Free Call → Try for $89Frequently asked questions
How much does a bookkeeper cost per month in New York?
An in-house bookkeeper usually costs $5,500 to $7,500 a month including taxes and benefits. A dedicated remote bookkeeper from SolveLedger costs $2,000 a month.
Can a remote bookkeeper work New York business hours?
Yes. Your bookkeeper's schedule overlaps with Eastern Time, so questions are answered the same business day and most of the work is finished before you start your morning.
Do remote bookkeepers know US and New York requirements?
Our bookkeepers have 5+ years of experience with US small businesses, and every month-end is reviewed by a CA, CPA and ACCA-qualified lead.
How do I get started?
Book a free 15-minute Google Meet call and tell us about your business. You can have a dedicated bookkeeper in place within two weeks.
This article is general educational information, not tax, legal or accounting advice for your specific situation. Rules and deadlines change and vary by state; confirm details with a licensed professional before acting.