Most payroll service projects cost between $300 and $3,000 per year, with a typical price near $1,000. Prices vary by state and city, so the range below is a planning guide rather than a quote.
Typical payroll service cost
$300 – $3,000
per year · typical $1,000
A general planning range, not a quotation.
Payroll service cost breakdown
- DIY payroll software$200 – $600typical $400
- Full-service payroll$500 – $1,500typical $900
- Enterprise with HR$1,500 – $3,000typical $2,000
What Payroll Services costs
Full-service payroll includes processing payroll, tax filing, and employee deposits. Costs range from $300–$3,000 per year depending on employee count and payroll frequency. Additional fees may apply for benefits administration or HR support.
Costs by state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently asked questions
How much does payroll service cost per employee?
Typically $2–$10 per employee per pay run, plus a base monthly fee of $20–$50. For 10 employees weekly, expect $300–$1,000 annually.
What affects the annual price?
Number of employees, payroll frequency (weekly vs monthly), and whether you need tax filing, direct deposit, or HR add-ons. More services raise cost.
How can I reduce payroll costs?
Choose a basic plan, opt for monthly payroll, and bundle services. Also, compare per-employee fees and negotiate annual contracts.