Quick Answer
Last verified:

Workday pricing varies by team size and features, ranging from $100 to $300 per user/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

Workday offers 3 pricing tiers: HCM Essentials, HCM Advanced, Enterprise Suite. The HCM Advanced plan is large enterprises (2,000-10,000 employees) needing full talent suite.

Compared to other hr/hris software, Workday is positioned at the premium price point.

Last verified: January 2026 | Sources: 3 pricing pages and reviews

Workday is the leading cloud-based HCM (Human Capital Management) and financial management platform for large enterprises. Founded in 2005 by former PeopleSoft executives, Workday now serves over 10,000 organizations including more than 50% of the Fortune 500.

Workday pricing is custom and typically ranges from $100-300/user/month depending on modules and company size. Implementation costs often match or exceed first-year license fees, making Workday a significant investment suitable for organizations with 500+ employees.

All Workday Plans & Pricing

Plan Monthly Annual Best For
HCM Essentials Contact Contact Mid-sized enterprises (500-2,000 employees) starting with Workday
HCM Advanced Contact Contact Large enterprises (2,000-10,000 employees) needing full talent suite
Enterprise Suite Contact Contact Global enterprises (10,000+ employees) needing unified HCM and financials
View all features by plan

HCM Essentials

  • Core HCM
  • Payroll
  • Time tracking
  • Benefits administration
  • Basic reporting
  • Mobile access

HCM Advanced

  • All HCM Essentials features
  • Talent management
  • Recruiting
  • Performance & goals
  • Learning management
  • Workforce planning
  • Advanced analytics

Enterprise Suite

  • All HCM Advanced features
  • Financial management
  • Planning & analytics
  • Strategic sourcing
  • Global compliance
  • Advanced security
  • Custom integrations
  • Dedicated CSM
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Hidden Costs to Budget For

Watch for 6 hidden costs
  • Implementation: $100,000-$1,000,000+ depending on org size and complexity
  • Annual subscription increases of 3-7% are standard
  • Integration fees for connecting legacy systems
  • Consulting fees for customization and optimization
  • Training costs for HR admins and end users
  • Minimum employee count requirements (typically 500-1,000+)
Tip

Ask your Workday 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 Workday cost?

Workday pricing is custom and typically ranges from $100-300/user/month for their HCM suite. Total cost depends on employee count, modules selected, and implementation complexity. Enterprise deployments often cost $500K-$2M+ in the first year.

02 Does Workday have a free plan?

No, Workday is an enterprise platform with no free plan. Demos are available through their sales team.

03 What hidden costs should I expect?

Major hidden costs include implementation ($100K-$1M+), annual price increases (3-7%), integration fees, ongoing consulting, and training. Budget 50-100% of license costs for implementation.

04 Can I negotiate Workday pricing?

Yes, Workday pricing is highly negotiable. Multi-year contracts (3-5 years), larger user counts, and timing purchases at quarter/year-end can unlock 15-30% discounts.

05 Is annual billing cheaper?

Workday typically requires annual billing with multi-year commitments (3-5 years standard). Longer commitments can lock in better rates and minimize annual price increases.

06 Workday vs ADP: Which is cheaper?

ADP is typically cheaper for mid-sized companies. Workday becomes competitive for enterprises with 1,000+ employees who need unified HCM, financials, and planning in one cloud platform.

07 What's included in Workday's Enterprise HCM?

Enterprise HCM includes core HR, payroll, time tracking, benefits, talent management, succession planning, workforce analytics, and compliance tools. Financials and planning are separate modules.

08 Does Workday offer startup discounts?

No, Workday targets enterprises with 500-1,000+ employees. Startups and SMBs should consider alternatives like BambooHR, Gusto, or Rippling.