PEO Cost Comparison
Compare the True All-In Cost of Every PEO
PEO cost is more than the monthly fee. The true cost includes the per-employee charge, workers comp markups, benefits administration fees, and hidden add-ons. Our PEO cost comparison lays out every cost line so you see what you actually pay and what you actually save with each provider.
Of payroll typical PEO fee
Per employee per month
Hidden markup range on workers comp
Cost for a cost comparison
Key Comparison Factors
Base Administration Fee
The headline fee, either a percentage of payroll or a flat per-employee charge. This is what most PEOs quote first, but it is only part of the cost.
Workers Comp Markup
Some PEOs mark up workers comp premiums 15 to 30 percent. This hidden cost can exceed the base fee. We compare the true workers comp cost.
Benefits Administration
Some PEOs bundle benefits admin into the fee; others charge separately. We compare what is included and what costs extra.
Setup & Onboarding Fees
Some PEOs charge a one-time setup fee. We compare setup costs and negotiate them down or away where possible.
Per-Employee Add-Ons
Some PEOs charge extra for benefits enrollment, HR support, or technology. We itemize every add-on so there are no surprises.
Hidden Costs
Early termination fees, minimum monthly charges, and rate increases at renewal. We surface every hidden cost before you sign.
PEO Cost Is More Than the Monthly Fee
When a PEO quotes a per-employee fee, that number rarely tells the full story. The true cost includes the base admin fee, workers comp markup, benefits administration, setup fees, and per-employee add-ons. Two PEOs with the same headline fee can have very different true costs. Our PEO cost comparison itemizes every line so you compare true cost, not marketing numbers.
- Base administration fee (percentage of payroll or per-employee)
- Workers comp premium and any markup
- Benefits administration fee (bundled or separate)
- Setup and onboarding fees
- Technology and HRIS fees
- Early termination and minimum monthly charges
How to Compare PEO Costs Apples to Apples
To compare PEO costs fairly, request a total cost of employment (TCE) figure from each provider. TCE includes the admin fee, workers comp, benefits, and all add-ons. If a PEO will not provide a TCE, that is a red flag. We build a side-by-side TCE comparison across multiple PEOs so you see the true cost of each option.
Where PEO Cost Savings Actually Come From
PEO savings come from three places: lower health insurance premiums through large-group pooling, lower workers comp rates through risk pooling, and avoided HR and payroll admin costs. The best PEO cost comparison shows not just what you pay but what you save against your current baseline. If the savings do not exceed the fee, the PEO is not the right choice.
PEO Cost Comparison FAQ
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What is the total cost of employment for a PEO?
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PEO Comparison Guides
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Best PEO for 10 Employees
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Best PEO for 25 Employees
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Best PEO for 100 Employees
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PEO Pricing Comparison
Compare PEO pricing models and fee structures.
PEO Benefits Comparison
Compare medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) benefits across PEOs.
PEO Workers' Compensation Comparison
Compare workers' comp programs and rates across PEOs.
PEO Contract Comparison
Compare PEO contract terms, length, and exit clauses.
PEO Service Comparison
Compare PEO service levels, support, and dedicated teams.
PEO Technology Comparison
Compare HRIS, payroll, and self-service platforms across PEOs.
PEO Implementation Comparison
Compare PEO onboarding timelines and transition support.