How Much Does Managed Payroll Cost in Australia?
Transparent pricing insights to help you understand managed payroll costs and make informed decisions for your business.
Book a 15-minute chat with our team. No obligation.
If you're researching managed payroll services, your first question is likely "How much will this cost?" It's a fair question, and one that deserves a transparent answer. Unlike many providers who hide their pricing behind "contact us" forms, we believe in upfront honesty about what managed payroll actually costs in Australia.
The truth is, managed payroll costs vary significantly depending on your business size, complexity, and the level of service you require. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about managed payroll pricing so you can budget accurately and avoid nasty surprises.
Understanding Managed Payroll Pricing Models
Per Employee Pricing
Most common model charging $15-$50 per employee per month
- Scales with business growth
- Predictable monthly costs
- Easy to budget and forecast
Percentage of Payroll
Typically 1-3% of total payroll processed monthly
- Aligns cost with payroll size
- Fair for varying wage levels
- Proportional to business scale
Flat Monthly Fee
Fixed monthly rate regardless of employee count
- Best for stable teams
- Ultimate cost certainty
- Simple budgeting
What Managed Payroll Actually Costs in Australia
Small Businesses (1-10 Employees)
For small businesses, expect to pay between $150-$500 per month for managed payroll services. This typically includes basic payroll processing, STP reporting, and super contributions. Many providers have minimum monthly fees of $200-$300, regardless of employee count.
At Accountee, our small business packages start at just $199 per month for up to 5 employees, providing Big 4 accounting firm expertise at boutique pricing.
Medium Businesses (11-50 Employees)
Medium-sized businesses typically pay $500-$2,000 per month depending on complexity. This range accounts for more sophisticated needs like multiple pay rates, awards, allowances, and more frequent pay runs.
Providers like Employment Hero charge around $20 per employee per month ($200+ monthly minimum), whilst ADP starts at $79+ per month plus $4 per employee. For a 25-employee business, you're looking at $300-$600 monthly with these providers.
Large Businesses (50+ Employees)
Larger organisations can expect monthly costs from $2,000 to $10,000+ depending on employee count and service requirements. Enterprise providers often offer custom pricing based on specific needs.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Setup and Implementation Fees
Many providers charge $500-$2,000 in one-time setup fees. At Accountee, we include setup in your first month at no extra charge.
Year-End Processing
PAYG summaries and year-end reporting can cost an additional $50-$200. We include this as standard.
Additional Pay Runs
Off-cycle payments, bonuses, or termination pays often incur extra fees of $50-$150 per run.
Support and Consultation
Some providers charge hourly rates for support beyond basic queries. Our dedicated team provides unlimited support included in your monthly fee.
Why Accountee Offers Better Value
We're transparent about our pricing because we're confident in our value proposition. Our managed payroll services cost 40-60% less than major competitors like ADP, Employment Hero, or Rippling, whilst delivering superior service quality.
How do we do it? We're a boutique firm with Big 4 trained accountants who focus exclusively on Australian SMEs and recruitment agencies. We don't have the massive overheads of multinational software companies, so we pass those savings directly to you.
More importantly, we provide genuine expertise and personal service. You'll have a dedicated team who knows your business, not a ticketing system that treats you like a number. When payroll issues arise, you'll speak with an experienced accountant, not a junior call centre operator reading from a script.
Get Your Custom Quote
Every business is unique. Let's discuss your specific requirements and provide a transparent, fixed-price quote with no hidden fees.
Learn More About Managed Payroll
Complete Guide to Managed Payroll Services →
Everything you need to know about managed payroll in Australia
Outsourced vs In-House Payroll Analysis →
Compare the true costs of different payroll approaches