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Bookkeeper Salaries in Wisconsin — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

How much does a bookkeeper make in Wisconsin? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $48,860/yr ($23.49/hr), with around 29,050 people working in this field statewide.

Bookkeeper salaries in Wisconsin are above the national average by approximately $119. Wisconsin has a state income tax rate of up to 7.65%.

Wisconsin's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for bookkeepers.

Wisconsin Bookkeeper Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Wisconsin after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Wisconsin has a state income tax rate of up to 7.65%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$48,860
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$38,593

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Wisconsin has a state income tax rate of up to 7.65%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Wisconsin Bookkeeper Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Wisconsin median of $48,860.

Your annual salary ($)

Bookkeeper Salary by Experience — Wisconsin

Entry Level (0–2 years)$30,300/yr · $14.57/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Wisconsin.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$43,485/yr · $20.91/hr
Established professional working independently in Wisconsin. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$54,234/yr · $26.07/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Wisconsin.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$70,400+/yr · $33.85/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Wisconsin.
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Bookkeeper Salary Trend in Wisconsin — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

bookkeepers pay in Wisconsin has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the bookkeeper workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Wisconsin's business and financial services.

2021
$42,899
2022
$45,390
+5.8%
2023
$47,491
+4.6%
2024
$48,273
+1.6%
2026
$48,860
+1.2%

Bookkeeper Salary by City — Wisconsin

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Milwaukee$54,250$26.08+11.0%10,167
Madison$51,800$24.90+6.0%8,134
Green Bay$50,350$24.21+3.0%5,229
Kenosha$46,900$22.55-4.0%2,614
Racine$44,450$21.37-9.0%1,743
Appleton$42,500$20.43-13.0%1,162

Tip: Milwaukee offers the highest bookkeeper salaries in Wisconsin at $54,250/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Wisconsin vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Wisconsin sits in the mid-range for bookkeepers.

Wisconsin — 7.65% state income tax$48,860 gross~$38,593 take-home
Minnesota — 9.85%$52,350 gross+7.1% vs WI
Michigan — 4.25%$47,680 gross-2.4% vs WI
Iowa — 6.0%$47,150 gross-3.5% vs WI

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Wisconsin has a state income tax rate of up to 7.65%.

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Bookkeeper Job Outlook in Wisconsin

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
29,050Currently employed
2,905+New jobs projected

Employment for bookkeepers in Wisconsin is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Wisconsin job market. Wisconsin's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for bookkeepers.

How to Earn More as a Bookkeeper in Wisconsin

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a bookkeeper in Wisconsin typically adds $40,100 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the AIPB Certification (voluntary) can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Milwaukee pays bookkeepers $54,250/yr — +11.0% above the Wisconsin average. Simply relocating within Wisconsin can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.

3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Bookkeepers who specialise in business and financial services typically command premium rates in Wisconsin. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Minnesota pays bookkeepers $52,350/yr — 7.1% vs Wisconsin.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a bookkeeper make in Wisconsin?
The average bookkeeper salary in Wisconsin is $48,860 per year, or $23.49 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $30,300 while experienced professionals earn $70,400 or more.
What city in Wisconsin pays bookkeepers the most?
Milwaukee pays bookkeepers the most in Wisconsin at an average of $54,250 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
Is bookkeeper pay in Wisconsin above or below the US average?
Wisconsin bookkeeper salaries are above the calculated national average by approximately $119. Wisconsin has a state income tax rate of up to 7.65%.
How much do bookkeepers actually take home after taxes in Wisconsin?
A bookkeeper earning the Wisconsin average of $48,860 takes home approximately $38,593 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Wisconsin has a state income tax rate of up to 7.65%.
Are bookkeeper jobs worth pursuing in Wisconsin?
Yes. Bookkeeper is a strong career choice in Wisconsin with steady demand projected over the next decade. Wisconsin's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for bookkeepers.
How do you get a bookkeeper licence in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, bookkeepers are licensed through the AIPB Certification (voluntary). Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the AIPB Certification (voluntary) for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.