Are you curious about the cost of payroll processing and what factors can influence it? We've all been there, wondering if outsourcing payroll is worth the investment or if managing it in-house is the more affordable option.

You've heard about the convenience of outsourcing payroll processing, but questions linger in your mind. How much does it really cost? What variables affect the price? Don't worry; you're not alone in your quest for answers.

This post will cover the basics of how much payroll processing costs. We’ll discuss the factors that influence your pricing, and help you get an estimate of what you can expect to pay!

How Much Does Payroll Processing Cost? 

Before we get started with the numbers, let’s first talk about what payroll processing is. Payroll processing is the entire process of employee compensation management. Elements like wage calculations, tax deductions, and paycheck mailing and distribution are all included in payroll processing. 

You can process your payroll in-house, but the complex and time-consuming nature of payroll often leads businesses to outsource these processes. A variety of businesses can benefit from payroll outsourcing. 

Small businesses with limited internal resources can leverage the team power and expertise of a payroll provider. Larger businesses also sometimes turn to outsourcing to streamline operations and focus on core activities while leaving payroll responsibilities in capable hands.

Related: Ultimate Guide: Payroll services for small businesses.

Outsourcing your payroll processing needs can save you time and resources. Instead of dedicating your staff to learning the intricacies of payroll calculations, tax deductions, and more, you can entrust these processes to experts, allowing you and your employees to focus on what matters most for your business. 

Additionally, payroll providers give you peace of mind and increased accuracy. Quality payroll providers stay up to date with the latest tax regulations, ensuring compliance and reducing the risk of errors or penalties. These professionals also have the necessary skills to handle complex payroll scenarios, such as handling multiple pay rates, commissions, bonuses, and deductions accurately.

The cost of payroll processing varies based on the factors we’ll discuss in this post. On average, businesses can expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $1000 per month for payroll processing services. However, it's important to note that this is a rough estimate, and actual costs may vary.

Now, let’s dive into the details of the different factors that may influence what your business will pay for payroll processing services. 

1. Rate Structure 

The first factor that may influence your payroll processing costs is the rate structure offered by your provider. Different providers charge for their services in different ways. Let’s take a look at some of the most common rate structures. 

• Per Frequency: In this structure, you’re charged for every time you run payroll. For example, if you process payroll weekly, you’ll pay your provider’s rate each week. 

• Per Employee Per Month: You can pay a set fee for each employee on your payroll every month regardless of how often you run payroll. 
• Fixed Pricing: As the name suggests, this model involves a predetermined flat fee for payroll processing, regardless of frequency or number of employees.

Related: Choosing a Payroll Schedule: 4 Things You Need to Consider

Consider your needs and your employees’ expectations when selecting a payroll provider. For example, if can seem like a cost-saving measure to select a per frequency provider, then choose to run payroll only once a month. However, your workers may need more frequent payments than monthly payroll to meet their financial obligations. 

2. Business Size 

How large is your business? The answer to this question is the second factor in determining how much payroll processing will cost. 

First and foremost, as we explored in the above section, many payroll providers charge per employee. Naturally, then, larger businesses with more employees will have higher payroll costs in these payment models. Payroll providers charge a premium for companies with a lot of employees because handling a large volume of workers requires more resources from the provider. 

Additionally, larger businesses often require additional features and more robust payroll solutions, which may come at a higher price point. Smaller businesses, on the other hand, may have more simplified payroll needs and a smaller employee count. As a result, their payroll processing costs may be lower compared to larger enterprises.

3. Payroll Complexity 

As alluded to in the last section, another factor that can impact your payroll costs is the complexity of your needs. If your business has unique payroll needs, such as handling multiple pay rates, shift differentials, overtime calculations, or managing various employee benefits, you may pay more for payroll processing. 

For example, if half your workforce is salaried and the other half is hourly, some of your hourly workers are exempt and some are non-exempt, and you have a mix of W2 workers and 1099 contractors, you may expect to pay more for payroll processing. 

Related: 1099 vs W2: 4 Tips for Classifying Workers Correctly

Additional complexities like the ones listed above can contribute to higher costs as the provider needs to dedicate additional resources to ensure accurate payroll processing. Conversely, if your payroll is relatively straightforward with fewer variables and complications, the cost may be lower as it requires less time and expertise from the provider. 

4. Additional Services 

Do you need additional services beyond basic payroll processing? If so, you should be prepared to pay a premium. Some payroll providers offer extra features that can enhance your payroll operations, such as time and attendance tracking, benefits administration, or customized reporting. These additional services often come at an additional cost. 

When considering the cost of payroll processing, it's important to evaluate whether these additional services align with your business needs and justify the potential increase in price. Remember: only pay for services your business needs. 

5. Customer Support 

Last but not least, the level of service and support you expect from your payroll provider may impact your costs. If you need dedicated support, personalized assistance, or faster response times, it may result in higher costs.

However, it's worth noting that not all providers follow this model. For example, ConnectPay offers exceptional customer support at no additional cost. 

We prioritize providing personalized assistance and dedicated support to our clients, ensuring you receive the assistance you need without incurring extra charges. Our ultimate goal is to simplify your payroll, giving you peace of mind in the knowledge that any challenges or questions you have will be addressed promptly and effectively.  

How Much Does Payroll Processing Cost (And Is It Worth It)? 

The factors in this post can help you understand what you may expect to pay for payroll processing services, but one question still remains: is it worth it?

Outsourcing payroll processing offers your business numerous advantages. With ConnectPay, you gain access to our Connected Payroll network!

We can connect you with local, trusted experts in HR, bookkeeping, retirement benefits, and Workers’ Comp when and if you need them. We'll never oversell you or sell you services you don't need — but we will get you in touch with experienced professionals in your neighborhood if you need additional services or assistance.

In short, ConnectPay offers all the features and functionality small businesses need to grow — all at a simple-to-understand price point.

Schedule a call today to see if ConnectPay is the right solution for your business!