Quick Answer
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Paychex pricing varies by team size and features, ranging from $39 to $149 per 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: No free tier available
  • Billing: Monthly and annual (save 15-20%)
  • Hidden costs: Add ~35% for implementation, support, and training

Paychex offers 4 pricing tiers: Paychex Go, Paychex Flex Essentials, Paychex Flex Select, Paychex Flex Pro. Standard paid plans include Paychex Go at $39/month base + $5/user, Paychex Flex Essentials at $79/month base + $8/user, Paychex Flex Select at $119/month base + $12/user. The Paychex Flex Essentials plan is growing businesses needing hr support and compliance help.

Compared to other hr/hris software, Paychex is positioned at the mid-market price point.

Last verified: January 2026 | Sources: 5 pricing pages and reviews

Paychex is one of the largest payroll and HR service providers in the United States, serving over 740,000 businesses since 1971. Known for its comprehensive payroll processing and extensive service offerings, Paychex has evolved from a traditional payroll provider into a full-service HCM platform with its Paychex Flex solution.

Paychex pricing starts at $39/month base fee plus per-employee charges ranging from $5-12 per employee depending on the plan. While Paychex's base fees make it less competitive for very small teams, its extensive compliance support, multi-state capabilities, and optional PEO services make it a strong choice for growing businesses with complex payroll needs.

All Paychex Plans & Pricing

Plan Monthly Annual Best For
Paychex Go $39 /month base + $5/user $39 /month base + $5/user Small businesses with 1-10 employees needing simple payroll
Paychex Flex Essentials $79 /month base + $8/user $79 /month base + $8/user Growing businesses needing HR support and compliance help
Paychex Flex Select $119 /month base + $12/user $119 /month base + $12/user Mid-sized companies needing comprehensive HR and talent management
Paychex Flex Pro Contact Contact Larger organizations needing full-service HR and PEO options
View all features by plan

Paychex Go

  • Payroll processing
  • Tax filing
  • Employee self-service
  • New hire reporting
  • Mobile app
  • Basic time tracking

Paychex Flex Essentials

  • All Go features
  • HR administration
  • Time and attendance
  • Benefits administration
  • Reporting tools
  • Compliance assistance

Paychex Flex Select

  • All Essentials features
  • Recruiting and onboarding
  • Performance management
  • Learning management
  • Advanced analytics
  • Dedicated HR advisor

Paychex Flex Pro

  • All Select features
  • PEO services option
  • Risk management
  • Employee benefits consulting
  • Dedicated account team
  • Custom compliance support
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Hidden Costs to Budget For

Watch for 6 hidden costs
  • Setup fees: $150-$500 for initial system configuration
  • Year-end processing: $2-5 per W-2 form
  • Tax filing fees: May apply for certain states or localities
  • Background checks: $30-100 per check depending on depth
  • Retirement services: Additional fees for 401(k) administration
  • Workers' comp insurance: Separate premium if bundled
Tip

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

Full hidden costs breakdown →

Frequently Asked Questions

01 How much does Paychex cost?

Paychex pricing starts at $39/month base fee + $5/user for Paychex Go, scaling up to $79/month + $8/user for Essentials, $119/month + $12/user for Select, and custom pricing for Pro. For a 10-person team, expect to pay $90-240/month depending on the plan.

02 Does Paychex have a free plan?

No, Paychex does not offer a free plan. However, they may offer promotional pricing for the first few months and provide demos to evaluate the platform.

03 What hidden costs should I expect with Paychex?

Hidden costs include setup fees ($150-$500), year-end W-2 processing ($2-5 per form), state tax filing fees, background check charges, retirement plan administration fees, and potential workers' comp insurance premiums.

04 Can I negotiate Paychex pricing?

Yes, Paychex pricing is negotiable, particularly for businesses with 20+ employees. Annual contracts, bundled services (payroll + HR + benefits), and competitive quotes from alternatives like ADP or Gusto can unlock 10-20% discounts.

05 Is Paychex cheaper than ADP?

For very small businesses (under 10 employees), Paychex may be slightly cheaper with its Go plan. For mid-sized companies, ADP Workforce Now often provides better value. Compare total costs including base fees, per-employee charges, and implementation fees.

06 What's the difference between Paychex Flex and Paychex Go?

Paychex Go is a simplified payroll-only solution for very small businesses. Paychex Flex is a comprehensive HCM platform with HR, benefits, time tracking, and talent management capabilities for growing companies.

07 Does Paychex include tax filing?

Yes, all Paychex plans include federal tax filing. However, some state and local tax filing may incur additional fees depending on your location and the complexity of your tax obligations.

08 Can Paychex handle multi-state payroll?

Yes, Paychex can process payroll across multiple states. However, each additional state may incur extra tax filing fees, typically $10-25 per state per payroll run.