Aspiring bookkeepers in Delaware will have a better chance of success on the job if they understand what the field requires and the best way to enter it. This is the main reason we have provided the guide below: to highlight the most important considerations for any journey to become a bookkeeper in Delaware.
Individuals will gain a clear view of what they need to do to prepare for training, the types of training programs they may consider based on their availability, and the steps required to pursue career opportunities.
The guide also explores licensing requirements and average annual salaries for bookkeepers in Delaware, based on several criteria.
How to Become a Bookkeeper in Delaware
The following outlines the key steps to becoming a bookkeeper in Delaware.
Step 1: High School Considerations
While there are no stringent government regulations for starting a bookkeeping career in Delaware, individuals can prepare for their education and future careers with a high school diploma or GED.
This allows them to secure admission to programs that require these qualifications. Skills such as organizational proficiency, intuition, analytical thinking, and problem-solving are valuable to cultivate as early as possible.
Step 2: Finishing a Suitable Program
Prospective bookkeepers in Delaware must choose a training program to ensure they have the foundational knowledge required for the job. Candidates will be glad to know they don’t have to attend 4-year, on-campus programs.
It is possible to become a successful bookkeeper in Delaware, for example, by choosing self-guided online programs. Students can also choose diploma programs or associate degree programs that can be completed in just a few months.
We analyze suitable options in the next section.
Step 3: Job Placement
After understanding the theoretical concepts of bookkeeping and, ideally, practicing with real-world data, students can secure bookkeeping roles. Professionals can secure full-time employment with companies or work as full-time freelancers.
Step 4: Career Advancement
Graduates of bookkeeping programs may transfer credits toward accounting or business administration programs. Career advancement can also be facilitated through certification.
For those who would like to become certified, we cover the basic requirements and options below.
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Licensing & Certification Requirements
Bookkeepers in Delaware can start working professionally and earning income as long as they meet the educational standards set by their employers. While it is technically possible to work without certification, pursuing professional credentials significantly increases a candidate’s chances of success.
This is why most bookkeepers nationwide choose to be certified, even though certification is not mandatory. Key providers of professional credentials in this field include the *American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (*AIPB) and the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB).
Participants who choose any of these providers must pass a professional exam that tests their payroll, budgeting, and accounting software skills.
Top Bookkeeping Schools in Delaware
All of the schools below have top-class programs for future bookkeepers in Delaware.
Delaware Technical College
Georgetown, DE Campus Only
Delaware Technical College is one of the most popular post-secondary institutions in the state. The school has a robust training program for prospective bookkeepers.
Email: owens-workforcedevelopment@dtcc.edu
Tuition
$152 - $381 per CreditContact
(302) 259-6330
Email in Bio
Goldey-Beacom College
Wilmington, DE Campus Only
Goldey-Beacom College is another top institution with an amazing program for future bookkeepers. Candidates from across the state can leverage this program to earn an Associate of Science in Accounting.
Tuition
$567 per CreditContact
(302) 998-8814
receptionist@gbc.edu
Wilmington University
New Castle, DE Campus + Online
Wilmington University offers a campus-based program for aspiring bookkeepers that covers bank reconciliation, accounting concepts, payroll, long-term liabilities, and more.
Tuition
$371 - $475 per CreditContact
(877) 967-5464
infocenter@wilmu.edu
Explore bookkeeping Schools in Delaware by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
Location is a major factor influencing bookkeepers’ compensation in Delaware. Currently, the most prominent locations with the highest averages are as follows:
- Newark, with an annual average salary of $53,658;
- Seaford, with an annual average salary of $52,441;
- Claymont has an annual average salary of $50,570.
Experience and professional credentials also help candidates improve their yearly earnings. At the general level, bookkeepers in Delaware earn an average annual salary of $47,228, placing them in the overall average category according to Indeed.
For those in the top 10%, annual earnings are approximately $64,500. Candidates beginning their careers in the bottom bracket still earn an average annual salary of $34,580.




