Paycor Pricing Tiers & Costs (Updated for 2025)
Paycor is a payroll software that helps businesses manage various HR tasks. It offers multiple plans and add-ons, but many prices require a custom quote.
Paycor helps teams run payroll, manage HR administration, track time, and support compliance. HCM platforms like Paycor commonly use pricing models combining base fees, per-employee charges, and module add-ons rather than fixed “tiers” alone.
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How Much Does Paycor Cost?
Paycor publishes some pricing, but many costs depend on company size, modules, and contracts.
Some third-party estimates:
- OutSail reports that Paycor subscriptions usually cost between $19 and $27 per employee per month (PEPM) depending on company size and modules.
- Business.com notes that Paycor previously listed a base “Basic” plan at $99 per month + $6 per employee per month, though Paycor no longer publishes those numbers.
- SaaSworthy claims Paycor’s base monthly fee ranges from $99 to $199, plus a per-employee fee of $4–$12 depending on features.
Because Paycor’s online pricing is limited, you should treat these as rough benchmarks rather than guarantees. Always request a custom quote.
Paycor Plans & Pricing Tiers
Paycor offers bundled plans targeted at small businesses under 50 employees and mid-market firms. For under-50 businesses, published bundles provide more transparency. Paycor
Here is a summary of what is publicly visible for small-business bundles:
| Plan Name | Pricing (Monthly/Annual) | Per-Employee Fee | Key Features Included | Best For |
| Basic | $99/month | + $5 per employee/month | Payroll processing, HR management, compliance tools | Small teams |
| Essential | $149/month | + $6 per employee/month | Includes Basic features, talent acquisition, benefits administration | Growing businesses |
| Core | $199/month | + $7 per employee/month | Adds analytics, advanced HR support, wage garnishments, GL automation | Firms requiring deeper HR capabilities |
| Complete | $199/month | + $14 per employee/month | Full HR/talent management/ automated workflows | Organizations needing full HR suite |
Paycor also publishes an Overage Fees page listing unit rates for services beyond subscription quotas (e.g. $10 for “Basic” overage, $15 for “Essential”, $2.50 for HR or Performance, etc.).
Beyond under-50 bundles, for mid-market (50–1,000+ employees), Paycor requires a custom quote.
How to Choose The Right Paycor Plan
Choosing the right Paycor plan can feel daunting, but understanding your team's specific needs can simplify the process. When deciding on a payroll software, consider factors like integrations, compliance requirements, and scalability. These elements ensure that the software aligns with your real-world operations:
Evaluate Your Industry-Specific Needs
- Does your industry have specific regulatory requirements? Understanding compliance needs helps you choose a plan that supports legal standards, reducing risks.
- What payroll complexities does your industry face? Industries like healthcare might need specialized payroll features, so consider plans that address these.
- Do you need industry-specific HR features? Some sectors require unique HR functionalities, and choosing the right plan can streamline your processes.
- How large is your team? Smaller teams might prefer basic plans, while larger organizations benefit from advanced features.
- Will you need ongoing support and training? Certain industries might need dedicated support, which could influence your choice of plan.
- Are there seasonal fluctuations in your workforce? If your team size changes, ensure your plan can adapt to these variations.
- Is remote work a part of your operations? Plans that support remote workforce management can be crucial for distributed teams.
Evaluate Security, Compliance & Scalability
- How important is data security for your team? Protecting sensitive employee data is crucial, so look for plans with robust security features.
- Does your business operate internationally? If so, you'll need a plan that accommodates global payroll and compliance.
- Are you expecting significant growth soon? Choose a scalable plan that can grow with your team size and business needs.
- What are your compliance reporting requirements? Ensure the plan you choose provides the necessary compliance tools and reporting capabilities.
- How complex is your payroll process? More complex needs might require plans with advanced payroll management features.
- Do you need integration with other business systems? Consider whether the plan supports integrations with your existing tools.
- How often do you review compliance policies? Regular updates are critical, so choose a plan that offers timely compliance updates.
Paycor Pricing Compared to Alternatives
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for global payroll with tons of integrations | Free demo available | From $8/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 2 | Best for compliant payroll in 150+ countries | Free trial + demo available | From $29/month | Website | |
| 3 | Best for supporting employee engagement | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 4 | Best for small businesses | 90-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 5 | Best for global payroll compliance | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 6 | Best for automating payroll tasks | 30-day free trial | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 7 | Best for HR, payroll, and integrations in one | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 8 | Best for real-time payroll data access | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 9 | Best for global payroll management | Not available | From $199/employee/month | Website | |
| 10 | Best for managing hourly teams | Free plan available | From $20/location/month | Website |
Paycor is generally considered mid-range in typical payroll software costs. It's positioned as offering solid value for its price, especially for small to medium-sized businesses.
Paycor provides more features than some cheaper options but might lack a few advanced capabilities found in pricier competitors. Integrations and advanced features are often in higher-tier plans. Businesses that need comprehensive HR and payroll features without breaking the bank typically find Paycor a good fit.
What Affects Paycor Pricing?
Paycor pricing varies based on your team's specific needs and usage, impacting the overall cost in several ways:
- Number of users: More users mean higher costs, so align your plan with your team size.
- Feature tier: Advanced features cost more. Choose a tier that fits your needs without overpaying for extras.
- Usage volume: Heavy usage might require a more robust plan, influencing the price.
- Support requirements: Needing dedicated support can increase costs, so evaluate your team's need for assistance.
- Customizations: Tailored features or integrations can raise the price, so consider what custom solutions you truly need.
- Integration needs: If your team needs specific integrations, this might affect the plan and cost you choose.
Additional Costs to Watch Out For
Many payroll software vendors, including Paycor, don't always publish their full cost structure, leading to surprise fees after signing. Understanding what may not be included in the base price can help your team avoid budget overruns. Consider writing a payroll software RFP to clarify costs upfront. Here's what to watch out for:
Setup Fees or Onboarding Costs
Setup fees often cover the initial configuration and training for your team. These costs can apply when you first sign up and might be billed separately from your subscription. Prospective buyers should ask if these fees are included in the plan or if they'll face extra charges. Some vendors might not disclose these publicly, so request a detailed cost breakdown upfront.
Premium Support Tiers
If your team requires more than basic support, you might face additional charges for premium support tiers. These can include faster response times or dedicated account managers. Determine if your team needs this level of support and whether it's bundled in higher-tier plans or charged separately. Always ask vendors for clarity on support costs to avoid unexpected fees.
Custom Integrations or API Usage
Integrating Paycor with other systems can incur additional costs, especially if custom development or API usage is needed. These fees often apply when your team needs specific functionalities not included in standard plans. Check if integrations are part of your plan or if they're added costs. It's wise to confirm these details with the vendor before committing.
Usage Overages
Usage overages can occur if your team exceeds the limits of your chosen plan, such as processing more payrolls than allowed. These costs can quickly add up, so understanding your usage needs is crucial. Ensure you know what limits apply to your plan and how overages are billed. Ask vendors for specifics to prevent surprise charges.
Regulatory or Compliance Costs
Meeting regulatory or compliance standards might involve extra costs, particularly if your business operates in a heavily regulated industry. These fees can include additional reporting tools or compliance checks. Clarify if these are included in your plan or require separate billing. Vendors might not always disclose these costs, so inquire about them during negotiations.
Is Paycor Worth the Cost?
In my opinion, Paycor offers solid value for small to medium-sized teams in industries like retail and healthcare. It's particularly strong in onboarding and support, making it easy for your team to get started.
Paycor stands out for its integration capabilities, which streamline your existing processes. The pricing transparency could be better, but you can usually access demos or trials to test it out.
- Strong onboarding and support: Helps your team start smoothly.
- Good integration options: Simplifies your current workflows.
- Tailored quotes: Sales reps often adjust quotes to fit your needs.
Teams that need robust HR and payroll features without breaking the bank typically see good ROI with Paycor.
Paycor Pricing FAQs
Here are answers to a few common questions about Paycor pricing:
Does Paycor offer a free trial or pilot?
No, Paycor doesn’t offer a free trial, but you can request a live demo to see how it works. This demo provides a good overview but doesn’t allow for hands-on testing.
Are discounts available for nonprofits or multi-year contracts?
Paycor offers discounts for multi-year contracts, making it more affordable over time. Nonprofits can inquire directly with Paycor for potential discounts, as these may be customized.
What’s the average onboarding time?
Onboarding with Paycor is generally quick, with most teams set up in a few weeks. Guided setups and checklists help streamline the process, so your team can start using it efficiently.
Is the pricing likely to increase after the first year?
Pricing can increase after the first year, especially if your team’s needs grow or you add more users. It’s best to discuss potential price changes with Paycor during initial negotiations.
What are the support options available?
Paycor offers phone, email, and live chat support, along with a dedicated customer success manager for personalized assistance. However, 24/7 support isn’t available, so plan accordingly.
How customizable is Paycor for unique business needs?
While Paycor provides solid basic features, customization is somewhat limited. For more tailored solutions, higher-tier plans or additional integrations might be necessary.
What’s Next:
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