How to Become A Bookkeeper in Delaware
Delaware employs approximately 4,600 bookkeepers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $51,780 1. Nationally, bookkeeper employment is projected to grow -5.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 170,000 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a bookkeeper in Delaware, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Bookkeeper in Delaware
How do I become a bookkeeper in Delaware? Delaware requires credentials such as Teacher of Business Education - Bookkeeping. The licensing authority is the Department of Education 3. You also need to complete an approved training program or apprenticeship.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in Delaware? Yes. Delaware has licensing or registration requirements for bookkeepers. The Department of Education oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
What do bookkeepers earn in Delaware? The median annual wage for bookkeepers in Delaware is $51,780 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $38,130 and experienced professionals can earn $71,410 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Licensing authority: Department of Education
- Median wage (Delaware): $51,780 per year 1
- Exam requirement: No exam required
Bookkeeper License Requirements in Delaware
The Department of Education oversees bookkeeper licensing in Delaware 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Teacher of Business Education - Bookkeeping | Teacher of Business Education - Bookkeeping |
Additional Requirements
- Exam: No exam required
- Experience: No experience required
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
Bookkeeper Wages by Metro Area in Delaware
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks Wages by Metro Area in Delaware
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks wages in Delaware vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | 22,660 | $52,710 | $55,250 | $39,220 | $75,250 |
| Dover | 600 | $45,520 | $47,160 | $32,130 | $61,770 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Top Metros for Bookkeepers in Delaware
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest bookkeeper employment within Delaware according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Dover | 600 | $45,520 |
Explore bookkeeper programs in Dover.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for bookkeepers in Delaware? Delaware currently employs approximately 4,600 bookkeepers 1. Nationally, bookkeeper employment is projected to grow -5.8% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a bookkeeper in Delaware with an out-of-state license? Contact the Department of Education for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Delaware? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Delaware.
How much do bookkeepers earn in Delaware compared to the national average? The median annual wage for bookkeepers in Delaware is $51,780, which is $2,570 above the national median of $49,210 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Department of Education - Licensing Information: https://www.doe.k12.de.us ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
CareerOneStop - Licensed Occupations: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-licenses.aspx ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |