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.

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• Payroll Processing Services
• Payroll Processing Services by Location

Next Steps

See Payroll Pricing Compare Providers Find Payroll Near You