How to Become a Bookkeeper in Indiana (2026)
Indiana employs about 29,910 bookkeepers earning a median $47,820 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Most bookkeepers train through an approved program before entering the field in Indiana.
Compare Bookkeeper Schools in Indiana
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | James A. Rhodes State College | 60.9 | Contact school for pricing | $57,771 | 39% | Yes* | 112 mi |
| 2 | Sinclair Community College | 55.7 | Contact school for pricing | $48,980 | 36% | Yes* | 113 mi |
| 3 | Kankakee Community College | 53.4 | $5,220 - $25,830 | $50,343 | 35% | Yes* | 100 mi |
| 4 | Ivy Tech Community College | 49.2 | $5,154 - $15,370 | $53,369 | 38% | Yes* | 40 mi |
| 5 | Southwestern Michigan College | 48.6 | Contact school for pricing | $46,001 | Not reported | Yes* | 110 mi |
| 6 | Prairie State College | 47.7 | Contact school for pricing | $50,647 | 20% | Yes* | 110 mi |
| 7 | Glen Oaks Community College | 46.3 | Contact school for pricing | $52,191 | 40% | Yes* | 111 mi |
| 8 | Purdue University Global | 45.8 | Contact school for pricing | $54,301 | 49% | Yes* | 39 mi |
| 9 | Danville Area Community College | 41.5 | Contact school for pricing | $47,299 | 41% | — | 76 mi |
Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
Indiana employs approximately 29,910 bookkeepers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $47,820 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 Indiana, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school or community college
- Typical timeline: varies by program; confirm with the school
- Median wage (Indiana): $47,820 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Bookkeeper in Indiana
How to become a Bookkeeper in Indiana? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for bookkeepers in Indiana.
How long does it take? bookkeeper training length in Indiana varies by program. Confirm current requirements with the school and the state board before you enroll.
What do bookkeepers earn in Indiana? The median annual wage for bookkeepers in Indiana is $47,820 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $33,010 and experienced professionals can earn $66,960 or more 1.
How to Become a Bookkeeper in Indiana
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most Indiana training programs require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Complete an approved training program. Enroll in an approved bookkeeper program in Indiana that combines classroom instruction with supervised practice.
- Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor; confirm the exact total currently required with the licensing board.
- Meet state and employer requirements. Confirm any registration, certification, or employer requirements that apply to bookkeepers in Indiana before you start working.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Bookkeeper Wages by Metro Area in Indiana
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks Wages by Metro Area in Indiana
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks wages in Indiana vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | 35,660 | $51,440 | $54,100 | $36,140 | $73,430 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood | 10,000 | $48,750 | $51,000 | $34,480 | $68,760 |
| Cincinnati | 9,050 | $49,590 | $52,410 | $36,620 | $70,980 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County | 7,730 | $47,990 | $49,660 | $30,360 | $69,850 |
| Fort Wayne | 1,970 | $47,770 | $49,030 | $32,550 | $63,940 |
| Evansville | 1,320 | $46,680 | $49,050 | $33,190 | $67,710 |
| Elkhart-Goshen | 1,190 | $49,190 | $51,130 | $34,910 | $66,300 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka | 1,110 | $47,940 | $49,040 | $32,310 | $64,370 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette | 930 | $48,400 | $50,940 | $32,750 | $70,830 |
| Bloomington | 710 | $46,800 | $48,590 | $33,270 | $63,580 |
| Terre Haute | 550 | $46,060 | $46,760 | $31,340 | $61,420 |
| Muncie | 450 | $44,650 | $45,960 | $31,770 | $60,990 |
| Columbus | 360 | $46,660 | $48,020 | $33,880 | $62,400 |
| Michigan City-La Porte | 340 | $46,650 | $47,880 | $31,240 | $64,570 |
| Kokomo | 280 | $45,990 | $47,990 | $34,830 | $64,580 |
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 .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for bookkeepers in Indiana? Indiana currently employs approximately 29,910 bookkeepers 1. Nationally, bookkeeper employment is projected to grow -5.8% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Indiana? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and state-approved training programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Indiana.
How much do bookkeepers earn in Indiana compared to the national average? The median annual wage for bookkeepers in Indiana is $47,820, which is $1,390 below the national median of $49,210 according to BLS data 1.
Related guides
In Indiana
Top local programs
- Best Bookkeeper Schools in Anderson, Indiana (2026)
- Best Bookkeeper Schools in Angola, Indiana (2026)
- Best Bookkeeper Schools in Auburn, Indiana (2026)
- Best Bookkeeper Schools in Avon, Indiana (2026)
- Best Bookkeeper Schools in Bedford, Indiana (2026)
- Best Bookkeeper Schools in Beech Grove, Indiana (2026)
- Best Bookkeeper Schools in Bloomington, Indiana (2026)
- Best Bookkeeper Schools in Bluffton, Indiana (2026)
- Best Bookkeeper Schools in Brownsburg, Indiana (2026)
- Best Bookkeeper Schools in Carmel, Indiana (2026)
- Best Bookkeeper Schools in Cedar Lake, Indiana (2026)
- Best Bookkeeper Schools in Chesterton, Indiana (2026)
Related trades & nearby areas
- Best Carpenter Schools in Indiana (2026)
- Best Electrician Schools in Indiana
- Best HVAC Schools in Indiana (2026)
- Best Plumber Schools in Indiana
- Best Plumbing Schools in Indiana (2026)
- Best Welder Schools in Indiana
Explore More Trades in Indiana
- Electrician in Indiana
- Plumber in Indiana
- HVAC Technician in Indiana
- Welder in Indiana
- Carpenter in Indiana
- Solar Installation Technician in Indiana
- Auto Mechanic in Indiana
- CNC Machinist in Indiana
- Certified Nursing Assistant in Indiana
- Medical Assistant in Indiana
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/ ↩︎ ↩︎
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) |