Free Tool
Payroll Processing
Cost Calculator
Estimate what running payroll in-house costs versus a dedicated remote payroll specialist.
Quick Answer
Payroll time scales with headcount and pay frequency. Moving the processing to a dedicated remote payroll specialist (around $7/hour) cuts the cost while keeping you in control of approvals. Enter your headcount and cadence to compare.
Based on Zedtreeo's actual pricing. Dedicated remote staff from $1,056/month.
These figures are estimates for planning only. Your actual rate depends on role, scope, seniority, and engagement; market comparisons use representative benchmarks, not live quotes. Spotted a number that looks off, or have an idea to make this tool better? — we read every note and use it to improve these tools.
Methodology
How the Payroll Processing Cost Calculator works
How the number is produced
- Hours per pay run = (employees × 3 minutes) ÷ 60 + 1 hour of setup/reconciliation.
- Annual hours = hours per run × runs per year (12, 24, 26 or 52).
- Current cost = annual hours × your in-house loaded rate; Zedtreeo cost = the same hours × $7/hour.
Assumptions built in
- Three minutes per employee per run is a processing heuristic — multi-state tax or hourly-timesheet payrolls take longer.
- Software subscription costs are the same in both scenarios and are excluded.
Benchmarks & sources
- Zedtreeo Rate Index (2026)Used for: the offshore hourly rate per role used on the Zedtreeo side of every comparison — the same figures quoted on our service pages.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 — Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks (SOC 43-3031) (2024)Used for: US baseline for payroll/bookkeeping clerks.
Methodology and constants last reviewed against the Zedtreeo pricing engine and Rate Index. Estimates are for planning; your quote depends on role, scope and engagement.
Payroll Processing Cost Calculator FAQs
Common questions about this tool and the roles behind it.
Zedtreeo's offshore rates start at $6/hour and are the same figures used across all our calculators. Local market comparisons use representative benchmarks for the US, EU, AU, and CA — not live quotes. Your actual rate depends on role, scope, and engagement.
Request a quote and we'll shortlist pre-vetted candidates matched to your needs within 48 hours, with a free 5-day trial so you can confirm fit before committing.
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Try it free →Ready to Put This Into Action?
Zedtreeo places pre-vetted remote staff from $1,056/month with a free 5-day trial — replacement at no cost, no contracts.