How Much Should Payroll Cost for a Small Business in 2025?
Payroll providers price services using two models:
- Base fee + per-employee fee (most common).
- Flat-rate bundled pricing.
Typical base fees: $40-$80/month. Per-employee: $6-$10/month. A 10-employee business often pays $120-$180/month.
The Hidden Fees That Add Up
Many providers add per-run fees, year-end W-2 mailing charges, or state filing surcharges. These can double your true cost.
A Transparent Benchmark
RemoteBooksOnline payroll is $60/month + $8 per employee/month. No per-run fees, setup fees, or hidden charges.
Why Predictability Matters
Flat-rate pricing makes budgeting easier and avoids “bill shock.”
FAQs
Is payroll cheaper with a flat fee?
Yes, predictable pricing saves money at scale.
How do per-run fees work?
Some providers charge $5-$10 each payroll cycle.
What’s included with RBO payroll?
Payroll runs, tax filings, W-2/1099 e-delivery.
