- You use specialized tools for accounting, recruiting, or benefits and need them to sync with your payroll system. You want modular pricing where you only pay for the features you actually use. You have employees in multiple countries and need global payroll support. You prefer a large integration marketplace with nearly 400 pre-built connectors and an open API. You want to avoid upfront implementation fees. Your team values a compliance dashboard that flags multistate payroll issues before they cause problems.
- You want a true single-database platform where every module shares the same data source with zero manual re-entry. You like the idea of employees reviewing, troubleshooting, and approving their own paychecks before payday through Beti. You prefer a dedicated service rep who knows your account rather than a rotating support team. You want to eliminate third-party dependencies and run everything in one closed system. You are comfortable paying an upfront implementation fee in exchange for a more unified long-term experience. Your workforce is entirely US-based.
Neither vendor publishes pricing, so you will need a custom quote from each. Based on industry data and user reports, here is what to expect.
Paylocity charges on a per-employee, per-month basis and lets you select individual modules. Most companies land between $22 and $32 per employee per month depending on which features they add. Paylocity does not charge an implementation fee in most cases, which lowers the upfront cost of getting started.
Paycom bundles its modules into a single package rather than letting you pick and choose. Pricing typically falls between $25 and $35 per employee per month. On top of that, Paycom charges an implementation fee that runs 15-30% of your annual software subscription, which can be a significant upfront cost for larger teams.
For a 200-employee company, Paylocity would run roughly $4,400 to $6,400 per month with no setup cost. Paycom would run about $5,000 to $7,000 per month, plus a one-time implementation fee that could range from $9,000 to $25,200. The gap narrows over time as the implementation fee is a one-time charge, but Paylocity is the more budget-friendly option in the first year.
Payroll processing: Paylocity handles multi-state payroll with automated tax filing and a compliance dashboard that flags issues before they become problems. Paycom takes payroll a step further with Beti, which lets employees review their own pay details, catch errors, and approve their paychecks before the payroll deadline. Organizations using Beti report an average 80% reduction in payroll corrections.
HR and onboarding: Both platforms cover the full employee lifecycle from recruiting through offboarding. Paylocity includes applicant tracking, onboarding task management, and document collection. Paycom offers similar functionality with the added advantage of a single database, meaning data entered during onboarding flows automatically into payroll, benefits, and time tracking without any manual re-entry.
Time and attendance: Both offer time tracking with geofencing, scheduling, and PTO management. Paycom's time data feeds directly into Beti for payroll, while Paylocity integrates time data through its module connections.
Benefits administration: Both handle open enrollment, carrier connections, and ACA compliance. Paylocity's integration marketplace gives it an edge for connecting with niche benefits providers that fall outside the standard carrier network.
Reporting and analytics: Paylocity offers over 100 pre-built reports with a drag-and-drop ad hoc report builder for custom analysis. Paycom provides a report center with charts and scheduled automated delivery. Both platforms have received criticism for reporting complexity from some users.
Integrations: Paylocity offers nearly 400 native integrations and an open API, making it the clear winner for companies that run a multi-vendor tech stack. Paycom keeps integrations limited by design, channeling users toward its own built-in modules instead.
AI features: Paycom introduced IWant, the industry's first command-driven AI engine in a single-database HCM platform. Paylocity has invested in Employee Voice with guided setup features and interview self-scheduling.
Final Take
Paylocity and Paycom are closer in capability than their marketing would suggest, but they are built for different mindsets. Paylocity is the right pick when you need flexibility. Its open integration ecosystem, modular pricing, and global payroll support make it a strong fit for companies that already have a tech stack they like and just need payroll to plug into it. Paycom is the right pick when you want simplicity. Its single database eliminates data silos, Beti shifts payroll responsibility to employees, and the dedicated rep model means you always have someone who knows your setup. The tradeoff is a closed ecosystem and a higher upfront cost. If your HR team spends more time toggling between tools than actually doing HR work, Paycom's all-in-one approach will save them hours. If your team thrives on best-of-breed software and needs everything connected, Paylocity gives you the wiring to make that happen.
ADP vs Paylocity
ADP vs Paylocity compared for mid-market payroll. Paylocity wins on UI and satisfaction. ADP wins on global reach and enterprise scale.
ADP vs Paycom
ADP vs Paycom compared for mid-size companies. See how pricing, Beti payroll, integrations, and support stack up to find the right fit.