Published: July 2025
Bookkeeping is vital for Australian SMEs, ensuring accurate financial records and compliance. In 2025, salaries reflect experience, location, and skills, with averages ranging from $60,000 to $95,000 annually. This article explores salary structures, factors affecting pay, regional variations, and career progression. Drawing from real data, it provides insights for SME owners budgeting for hires and bookkeepers negotiating compensation.
We'll also dive deeper into cost-benefit analyses for SMEs and long-term salary progression paths to offer a comprehensive view.
The average bookkeeping salary is $70,576 per year, with reports of $75,000 to $85,000. Hourly rates average $30.98, varying from $25 to $42 in Perth. Entry-level roles start at $50,000-$60,000, while experienced bookkeepers earn $80,000+.
For an SME in Adelaide, hiring an entry-level bookkeeper at $55,000 might cover basic tasks, while a senior at $85,000 handles complex reporting, justifying the cost through efficiency gains. In a Brisbane retail SME, an average $70,000 salary could include managing $400,000 in annual sales tracking, preventing losses from misreported inventory.
Estimates show $43,500 average on the lower end, but higher figures align with urban areas. Freelance rates range $40-$70 hourly, allowing flexibility for part-time SME support.
Several elements determine pay, listed below:
Example calculation: A mid-level bookkeeper in Melbourne at $70,000 base, plus $5,000 super (10.5% rate), totals $75,000. If handling $1 million revenue SME, their work might save $10,000 in tax errors annually. For a construction SME, adding $5,000 for project tracking skills could justify a $80,000 salary by optimising $500,000 in material costs.
Salary trends are influenced by demand for skilled roles, with potential 3-4% annual increases accounting for inflation.
Urban areas pay more: Sydney/Melbourne $64,000-$90,000; regional $50,000-$70,000. Industries like finance or tech offer higher pay than retail.
For a Perth SME in mining, a bookkeeper might earn $85,000 due to sector complexity, versus $65,000 in hospitality. In Sydney's fintech, salaries reach $95,000 for roles integrating AI tools, while rural agriculture might pay $55,000 for basic compliance.
Related accountant salaries range $65,000-$120,000, with bookkeepers slightly lower but comparable in SMEs.
Start as junior ($50k), advance to senior ($80k+) with certifications. Freelance offers flexibility, averaging $60-$120 hourly.
Hypothetical: A bookkeeper with 3 years experience negotiates from $65,000 to $75,000 by highlighting Xero skills saving 20 hours monthly ($2,000 value at $100/hour). Over 5 years, progression could see $50,000 entry rise to $90,000 senior through continuous learning, like advanced MYOB courses.
In 2025, AI impacts lower-end jobs, but skilled bookkeepers see growth. Average Australian salary $100,000 provides context, with bookkeeping offering entry without degrees.
For bookkeepers exploring opportunities, submitting a CV to hello@scalesuite.com.au could connect you with SME roles.
Budget $60,000-$80,000 annually. Outsourcing costs $30-$120 hourly. Calculate ROI: A bookkeeper preventing $5,000 in ATO penalties justifies the salary. For a $750,000 revenue SME, hiring at $70,000 might yield $15,000 in annual savings from optimised expenses.
For professionals, negotiate based on value—e.g., compliance expertise or software integrations that streamline operations.
Consider total compensation: Superannuation adds 10.5%, plus potential bonuses for performance, like 5% of salary for error-free quarters.
Salaries may rise 3-5% with inflation, but AI could cap growth for routine roles. Demand for tech-savvy bookkeepers persists, especially in growing sectors like e-commerce, where salaries could increase by 7% for digital skills.
In emerging areas like sustainable business, bookkeepers tracking ESG costs might command premiums, aligning with Australia's net-zero goals.
In conclusion, bookkeeping salaries offer competitive pay for SMEs' financial stability. By understanding factors, both employers and employees can navigate the market effectively, with long-term benefits from skill investment and role evolution. Check out bookkeeping services some companies like Scale Suite offer for more information.
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