2024 Data

Bookkeeper Salary in Portland, OR: $52,663 (2024)

Official 2024 BLS Data | $25.32/hour | $33,651 - $76,623 range

Median Annual Salary

$52,663

5.6% vs national

Hourly Rate

$25.32

/hour

Jobs in Area

1,360

employed

Salary Range$33,651 - $76,623
10th %Median90th %

Compare to Other Cities

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Portland, OR

$52,663

San Jose, CA

$69,475

$16,812 more (+31.9%)

in San Jose, CA

Bookkeeper Salary Range in Portland, OR

Annual Salary Range

$53k

$34k

10th percentile

$43k

25th

$62k

75th

$77k

90th percentile

Salary Breakdown by Percentile

PercentileAnnual SalaryHourly Rate
10th Percentile (Entry Level)$33,651$16.18
25th Percentile$43,434$20.88
Median (50th Percentile)$52,663$25.32
75th Percentile$61,945$29.78
90th Percentile (Top Earners)$76,623$36.84
Average (Mean)$56,057$26.95

Bookkeeper Market Insights for Portland, OR

Compensation Overview

Bookkeeper compensation in Portland, OR aligns with regional expectations. The salary range from $33,651 to $76,623 provides a clear picture of earning potential at different career stages.

Local Market Context

Portland, OR offers competitive compensation that aligns closely with national benchmarks. The Oregon economy supports a diverse range of industries, providing stable employment opportunities across multiple sectors.

Cost of Living Impact

Cost of living adjustments reduce effective purchasing power by approximately 16% compared to national averages. When evaluating opportunities in Portland, OR, factor in higher expenses for housing and daily necessities.

Career Outlook

The Bookkeeper profession offers diverse career opportunities across industries. Professional development and continuous learning are key factors in advancing within this field. With a 128% salary range from entry-level to top earners, there is substantial room for financial growth as you advance in your career.

Tips for Increasing Your Salary

  • Develop specialized expertise to command higher compensation—top earners make 45% more than median salaries
  • Build a professional network through industry associations and local business groups
  • Pursue relevant certifications or advanced education to demonstrate expertise

+6%

vs National Avg

-0%

vs State Avg

128%

Salary Range

1,360

Jobs in Area

Career Path & Salary Progression

Typical Bookkeeper salary growth in Portland, OR based on experience level.

🎓

Entry Level

0-2 years

10th percentile

$33,651

/year

📈

Early Career

2-5 years

25th percentile

$43,434

/year

💼

Mid Career

5-10 years

50th percentile

$52,663

/year

🎯

Senior

10-15 years

75th percentile

$61,945

/year

Expert

15+ years

90th percentile

$76,623

/year

Next Career Steps

Common career progressions from Bookkeeper:

Note: Career progression and salary growth vary based on company size, industry, skills, and performance. These estimates use percentile data from the BLS as a general guide for typical career paths.

Bookkeeper Job Market in Portland, OR

Where Bookkeepers Work

Bookkeepers work across multiple industries including corporations, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and consulting firms. Each sector offers different compensation structures and career trajectories.

Local Employment Landscape

The Portland, OR area maintains a healthy employment base for this occupation, with opportunities distributed across multiple employers. This provides job stability and career mobility without the intense competition found in major metros.

Types of Employers Hiring

Large Corporations

Typically offer comprehensive benefits, structured advancement, and competitive base salaries with bonus potential

Small to Medium Businesses

May provide more responsibility earlier in your career, flexible work arrangements, and equity opportunities

Government Agencies

Known for job security, excellent benefits packages, pension plans, and work-life balance

Professional Services Firms

Provide client exposure, rapid skill development, and often above-market compensation for top performers

Skills That Increase Earning Potential

Advanced certifications in your specialtyLeadership and team managementData analysis and reportingCommunication and presentation skillsIndustry-specific software proficiency

Job Search Strategy for Portland, OR

  • Research major employers in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area and follow them on LinkedIn for job alerts
  • Join local professional associations for networking and job leads specific to Oregon
  • Tailor your salary expectations based on the Portland, OR market rate of $52,663
  • Consider roles at varying experience levels—entry positions start at $33,651 in this market

Frequently Asked Questions

The median bookkeeper salary in Portland, OR is $52,663 per year ($25.32/hour) as of 2026. This is based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Salaries range from $33,651 for entry-level positions to $76,623 for experienced professionals in the top 10%.

Entry-level bookkeepers in Portland, OR typically start at around $33,651 per year ($16.18/hour), representing the 10th percentile. New graduates and those with less than 2 years of experience fall into this range. With experience and skill development, salaries can progress to the median of $52,663 within 3-5 years.

Bookkeepers in Portland, OR earn a median hourly wage of $25.32 per hour. Hourly rates range from $16.18/hour at entry-level (10th percentile) to $36.84/hour for top earners (90th percentile). Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, this translates to annual salaries between $33,651 and $76,623.

The median bookkeeper salary of $52,663 in Portland, OR is above the national median of $49,860 (5.6% higher). The cost of living is 19% above average. This salary places you at the 50th percentile, meaning half of bookkeepers in the area earn more and half earn less.

Bookkeepers in Portland, OR earn above the national average. The local median salary of $52,663 is 5.6% higher than the national median of $49,860. The cost of living is 19% above average. When adjusted for cost of living, the effective salary is approximately $44,329.

The top 10% of bookkeepers in Portland, OR earn $76,623 or more per year ($36.84/hour). These top earners typically have 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, specialized expertise, or hold senior/management positions. The 75th percentile earns $61,945, which is a realistic goal for mid-career professionals.

Key skills that can boost bookkeeper salary in Portland, OR include: Proficiency in accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks), Strong attention to detail and accuracy, Basic understanding of accounting principles, Organizational and time management abilities. Professionals with these skills often earn above the median of $52,663, potentially reaching the 75th percentile ($61,945) or higher. Professional certifications (Certified Bookkeeper, QuickBooks certification)

Portland, OR has a moderate job market for bookkeepers, with approximately 1,360 professionals employed in the area. The median salary of $52,663 is above the national average. The cost of living is 19% above average. Job seekers should consider both salary and local industry demand when evaluating opportunities.

Compare your bookkeeper salary to these Portland, OR benchmarks: 10th percentile (entry-level): $33,651, 25th percentile: $43,434, 50th percentile (median): $52,663, 75th percentile: $61,945, 90th percentile (top earners): $76,623. If you earn more than $52,663, you're above average for the area.

Beyond the $52,663 median base salary, bookkeepers in Portland, OR typically receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement plans (401k with employer matching), paid time off (15-25 days), and potentially bonuses or profit-sharing. Total compensation including benefits typically adds 25-40% to base salary value.

Experienced bookkeepers with 5-10 years in Portland, OR typically earn $61,945 (75th percentile) to $76,623 (90th percentile) per year. Senior professionals with 10+ years, certifications, or management roles can reach the top 10% at $76,623. Mid-career professionals (3-5 years) usually earn around the median of $52,663.

Bookkeepers in Portland, OR can see significant salary growth over their careers. Entry-level ($33,651) to median ($52,663) typically takes 3-5 years. Reaching the 90th percentile ($76,623) may take 10+ years and often requires specialized skills, certifications, or leadership experience. That's a potential growth of $42,972 over a career.

Data Source & Methodology

Official government statistics you can trust

Primary Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Program

Visit Official BLS Website

Data Year

2024

2 Years Old

Geographic Area

Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro

Metropolitan Statistical Area

Occupation Code

43-3031

SOC Classification

Sample Size

1,360

Employees Surveyed

How This Data Is Collected

The OEWS program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations across all metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. Approximately 1.1 million establishments are surveyed over a three-year period, representing the most comprehensive wage data available for the U.S. labor market.

Note: Percentile wages represent actual reported wages and may differ from individual compensation packages that include benefits, bonuses, and equity.

Last updated: January 23, 2026

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Bookkeeper in Portland, OR

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Median: $52,663/yr

How Portland, OR Compares

vs National Average

$49,860

+5.6%

vs Oregon Average

$52,733

-0.1%

Cost-of-Living Adjusted

$44,329

-15.8%

Cost of living in Portland, OR is 18.8% above the national average.

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