Affordable Payroll Pricing: How Much Does Payroll Cost?
Payroll pricing is simple once you see the pattern: base fee + per-employee + optional add-ons. Here’s how to estimate your monthly bill – and lower it without risk.
The Three Parts of Payroll Pricing
- Base monthly fee (platform + filings)
 - Per-employee fee (active staff that month)
 - Add-ons (time, benefits, multi-state, year-end forms)
 
What Raises or Lowers Cost
- Headcount and pay frequency (weekly vs semi-monthly)
 - Multi-state complexity and local taxes
 - Year-end volumes (W-2/1099 counts)
 
Ways to Reduce Cost (Safely)
- Standardize pay schedules (fewer runs)
 - Keep employee and state registrations current
 - Bundle with bookkeeping to reduce amendments
 
FAQs
How is payroll pricing calculated?
Most plans use a base monthly fee plus a per-employee charge, with optional add-ons for time tracking, multi-state, or year-end forms.
How can I lower my payroll cost?
Use fewer pay runs, keep registrations current, and bundle payroll with bookkeeping to reduce amendments and notices.
