BambooHR is an HRIS system designed to simplify HR tasks for small and medium-sized businesses. It offers a subscription-based pricing structure with multiple tiers to accommodate different company needs and budgets.
BambooHR provides essential HR functionalities like employee data management, onboarding, and performance tracking, helping to ease your HR team's workload.
When it comes to HRIS system pricing, BambooHR aligns with typical subscription models, offering flexibility and scalability to fit your team's needs without breaking the bank.
How Much Does BambooHR Cost?
BambooHR's pricing starts at $10 per employee per month for the Core package. Pricing details aren't readily available online; you'll need to contact sales for a custom quote. This approach suits companies that need tailored support based on number of employees, usage, and required features.
BambooHR offers tiered plans, like Core and Pro, each with different modules and optional add-ons. The Pro plan includes employee performance tools and compensation planning. The quote-only pricing reflects variability in feature combinations, including tools like time tracking, benefits administration, or an applicant tracking system.
A 7-day free trial is available for you to explore. Positioned as a comprehensive HR software solution, BambooHR is mid-range, offering a balance between cost and functionality.
BambooHR Plans & Pricing Tiers
BambooHR structures its pricing tiers to align with company size, required modules, and support needs. Pricing varies based on usage, integrations, onboarding needs, and optional add-ons, and isn’t publicly available. Instead, quotes are customized for each client.
Here’s a breakdown of BambooHR features by plan tier:
Plan Name | Key Features Included | Best For |
---|---|---|
Core | Employee records, hiring & onboarding tools, time-off management, employee benefits tracking, compliance intelligence | Small businesses & teams |
Pro | All Core features, plus performance management, advanced reporting, customizable dashboards, AI-powered insights | Scaling startups |
Elite | All Pro features, advanced analytics, additional integrations, premium support, enhanced security | Enterprise businesses |

There’s always room for negotiation on HR software pricing. Ask for a volume discount! I always recommend trying to get a better deal based on your needs.

How to Choose The Right BambooHR Plan
Choosing the right BambooHR plan can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Focus on what your team truly needs, whether that’s specific integrations, enrollment tracking, automated workflows, or compliance support. This helps you avoid narrowing in on just the features listed.
Factors to consider when selecting HRIS systems include evaluating your industry-specific needs and assessing security, compliance, and scalability requirements:
Evaluate Your Industry-Specific Needs
- Does your team handle sensitive employee data? If you’re in healthcare or finance, BambooHR’s compliance tools support secure HR management and protect critical employee records.
- Do you need industry-specific compliance features? BambooHR supports compliance needs for industries with strict regulations.
- Is payroll processing essential for your team? If so, make sure your plan includes payroll integrations and tax filing support to keep your team compliant and efficient.
- Are you looking for structured hiring tools? Plans that include an applicant tracking system help you create job openings, parse resumes, and facilitate onboarding new hires.
- Does your team want to streamline HR workflows? Check if your plan supports reusable templates for onboarding, performance assessments, or offboarding tasks.
- Are you looking for a tool that scales with your business? Ensure BambooHR can grow as your team expands, especially in fast-growing industries.
We were BambooHR users from being 200 or before 200 people… to almost 1,500 people, and it grew with us without issue.

Evaluate Security, Compliance & Scalability
- How important is data security to your HR and IT teams? BambooHR offers built-in controls to protect sensitive records and support core HR security needs.
- Does your team operate in multiple countries or across distributed offices? BambooHR supports global human resources operations, making it suitable for multinational companies.
- Do you need help staying audit-ready? BambooHR’s compliance tracking, standard reporting, and automated notifications make it easier to meet evolving requirements.
- How fast is your team growing? Choose a plan that can scale with your lifecycle needs—whether you’re hiring new employees, increasing your headcount, or adding new departments.
- Do you need to integrate multiple systems? BambooHR's open API and integration options help bring together your operations across various tools.
- Need reliable help along the way? Higher-tier plans offer enhanced customer support and access to a dedicated support team, so your HR operation stays smooth as you scale.
BambooHR Pricing Compared to Alternatives
BambooHR is generally considered average in terms of pricing among HRIS systems. It’s a feature-rich platform, offering a good balance of value and ROI for small to medium-sized businesses.
Higher-tier plans unlock advanced features like automation, employee self-service portals, and more robust reporting. Teams that want comprehensive HR tools without breaking the bank will find BambooHR appealing.
Comparison Chart: BambooHR vs. Alternatives
Wondering how BambooHR pricing compares to other HRIS providers? Here’s a comparison chart that breaks down the costs of other HRIS systems side-by-side
Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Best BambooHR alternative for global payroll and compliance | Free trial + demo available | From $29/month | Website | |
2 | Best for scalable recruitment workflows | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
3 | Best BambooHR alternative for AI-powered applicant tracking | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
4 | Best BambooHR alternative for mobile-first onboarding | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
5 | Best for company-wide goal alignment | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
6 | Best for an easy-to-use interface with responsive customer support | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
7 | Best free BambooHR alternative for candidate sourcing and applicant tracking | 21-day free trial | From $1.20/user/month + $71/month base fee | Website | |
8 | Best BambooHR alternative for managing compliance and advanced data analysis | Free demo available | From $4.50-$11.70/employee/month | Website | |
9 | Best BambooHR alternative for creating customizable workflows and automating processes | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
10 | Best BambooHR alternative for expense management and unlimited recruiting | 30-day free trial | From $6/employee/month | Website |
What Affects BambooHR Pricing?
BambooHR pricing shifts based on your team’s size, needs, and how you plan to use it. The following factors influence your final quote:
- Number of users: The more users you have, the higher the cost, as pricing scales with team size.
- Feature tier: Plans with deeper automation, integrations, or detailed metrics will cost more.
- Support requirements: Access to a dedicated support team or faster customer support increases pricing.
- Customizations: Tailoring workflows, dashboards, or integrations may lead to extra charges.
- Integration needs: Connecting with platforms like LinkedIn, payroll tools, or ATS platforms may incur fees.
Additional Costs to Watch Out For
Many HRIS systems vendors, including BambooHR, don't always publish their full cost structure. This can leave you facing surprise fees after signing a contract. Understanding what may not be included in BambooHR’s base price can help your team avoid budget overruns or limited access. Here are some potential additional costs to consider:
Setup Fees or Onboarding Costs
BambooHR charges a one-time implementation fee, which covers your initial setup, including migrating existing employee information and custom configurations. This fee is separate from the monthly per-employee charge, so you should factor it into your budget. Ask for a detailed breakdown of what's included in the setup process to avoid unexpected charges.
Premium Support Tiers
While BambooHR offers standard support, you can purchase a premium support add-on for 24/7 phone support and a dedicated customer success manager. This additional cost can be crucial if your team needs more comprehensive support.
Be sure to ask if these services are included in higher-tier plans or if they require a separate fee. Consider what level of support you need to best manage your HR processes, and whether the pricing model aligns with those needs.
Custom Integrations or API Usage
Custom integrations or API usage might incur additional costs with BambooHR. If your team relies on specific integrations, it's essential to verify whether these are included in your chosen plan or if they will require extra payment. Request a full cost breakdown for any custom work to ensure there are no surprises.
Usage Overages
BambooHR charges a flat rate per employee, but it's unclear if there are any overage fees for exceeding certain usage limits. Ask about any potential overage fees and how they might affect your costs as your team grows.
Regulatory or Compliance Costs
Certain regulatory or compliance features might not be included in the base package of BambooHR. If your organization requires specific compliance tools, confirm whether these are part of your plan or if they come at an extra cost. Ensure you understand all compliance-related fees to budget accurately.
Is BambooHR Worth the Cost?
In my opinion, BambooHR offers solid value, especially for small to medium-sized teams looking to streamline HR tasks. It shines in onboarding and integrates well with other tools, which makes daily operations smoother and helps improve employee satisfaction.
A lot of people are interested in BambooHR because it’s simple to implement, especially for smaller companies that don’t have dedicated HR teams.

Teams in tech or creative industries often see strong ROI with BambooHR thanks to its user-friendly interface and robust support options. Custom pricing is a plus, with sales reps usually offering fair, tailored quotes.
- Onboarding: Simplifies and speeds up the process.
- Support: Reliable and responsive, easing implementation.
- Integrations: Connects seamlessly with other essential tools.
These strengths make BambooHR a worthy consideration for teams prioritizing efficiency and ease of use—and for those seeking features that promote better HR workflows.
BambooHR Pricing FAQs
Here are answers to a few common questions about BambooHR pricing
Does BambooHR offer a free trial or pilot?
Yes, BambooHR offers a 7-day free trial. This allows you to explore the software’s features and see if it fits your team’s needs before committing to a purchase.
Are discounts available for nonprofits or multi-year contracts?
BambooHR provides volume discounts for organizations with more than 26 employees. Specific discounts for nonprofits or multi-year contracts aren’t widely advertised, so it’s best to discuss options with a sales representative, especially if your employee count is growing.
What’s the average onboarding time?
Onboarding typically takes 4-6 weeks, including initial setup and data migration. This timeline allows your team to get fully acquainted with the system and start using it effectively. You’ll likely have the chance to process some time-off requests and review timesheets.
Is the pricing likely to increase after the first year?
BambooHR’s pricing doesn’t automatically increase after the first year. However, it’s good to confirm any potential changes in pricing with your sales representative to avoid surprises.
Are there setup fees or onboarding costs?
Yes, there’s a one-time implementation fee. This covers the setup and customization needed to tailor BambooHR to your team’s specific requirements, and ensures smoother adoption of tools.
What should I ask about regarding support options?
BambooHR offers different support tiers. It’s important to ask if premium support is included in your plan or if it requires an additional fee to ensure your team gets the necessary assistance.
You may also want to ask whether access to training webinars or other on-demand support resources are bundled into your plan or sold separately.
What’s Next:
If you're in the process of researching HRIS systems, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.
You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.
Pricing upon request
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