Quick Answer
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Gusto Benefits pricing varies by team size and features, ranging from $0 to $180 per base fee + per employee/month in 2026. Your actual cost depends on the tier you choose, contract length, and negotiated discounts.

Use the interactive pricing calculator to estimate your exact cost based on team size and requirements.

  • Free tier: Yes
  • Billing: Monthly and annual (save 15-20%)
  • Hidden costs: Add ~35% for implementation, support, and training

Gusto Benefits offers 4 pricing tiers: Simple, Plus, Premium, Contractor Only. Standard paid plans include Simple at $49/user/month, Plus at $80/user/month, Premium at $180/user/month. The Plus plan is businesses needing advanced payroll and time tracking.

Compared to other benefits administration software, Gusto Benefits is positioned at the mid-market price point.

All Gusto Benefits Plans & Pricing

Plan Monthly Annual Best For
Simple $49 /user/month Custom Small businesses needing single-state payroll
Plus $80 /user/month Custom Businesses needing advanced payroll and time tracking
Premium $180 /user/month Custom Scaling businesses needing full-service payroll with dedicated support
Contractor Only employees: Contractors only (no W-2) Free Custom 0 Contractor-only businesses
View all features by plan

Simple

  • Single-state payroll
  • Unlimited payrolls per month
  • Tax filings and payments
  • Basic PTO policies and holiday pay
  • Direct deposits or printable checks
  • Payroll on AutoPilot
  • Gusto employee app
  • Employer mobile app
  • Domestic contractor payments

Plus

  • Everything in Simple
  • Multi-state payroll
  • Next-day pay
  • Time Tracking
  • Scheduling
  • Expenses and reimbursements
  • Workforce cost reports

Premium

  • Everything in Plus
  • Dedicated Service Advisor
  • Access to certified HR experts
  • Performance & compensation management
  • Custom reports
  • Priority support
  • Payroll migration and account setup

Contractor Only

  • Contractor payments only
  • No W-2 employee payroll
  • Tax filings for contractors

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Hidden Costs to Budget For

Watch for 7 hidden costs
  • $6 PEPM to integrate health insurance provider plans
  • $2.50/participant/month for HSA administration
  • $4/participant/month for FSA (minimum $20/month)
  • $4/participant/month for Dependent Care FSA (minimum $20/month)
  • $4/participant/month for commuter benefits (minimum $20/month)
  • $35/month base fee for Contractor Only plan + $6/contractor
  • $599/month for Global EOR services (promotional rate through 2026)
Tip

Ask your Gusto Benefits sales rep about these costs upfront. Getting them in writing before signing can save you from surprise charges later.

Full hidden costs breakdown โ†’

Frequently Asked Questions

01 Is benefits administration included in Gusto's base pricing?

Basic benefits features are included, but integrating health insurance plans costs an additional $6 per employee per month. Tax-advantaged accounts (HSA, FSA, commuter benefits) also have separate per-participant fees.

02 What's the total cost for Gusto with full benefits?

For the Simple plan, you'd pay $49 base + $6/employee for payroll + $6/employee for health insurance + additional fees for HSA/FSA if needed. For a 10-person company, this would be $49 + $120 = $169/month base, plus any HSA/FSA fees.

03 Can I use Gusto just for benefits administration without payroll?

No, Gusto's benefits administration is bundled with their payroll service. You cannot purchase benefits administration separately.