BBSI Review
by Barrett Business Services, Inc. (BBSI)
BBSI is a NASDAQ-listed PEO founded in 1951 that pairs small and mid-sized businesses with local payroll, HR, risk and business strategy specialists, priced by custom quote.
Best for
- Employers in higher-risk trades that want on-site safety and workers’ compensation support
- Businesses that want named local consultants rather than a shared queue
- Companies that also need recruiting or temporary staffing from the same provider
Not ideal for
- Buyers who need published PEO prices to compare before talking to sales
- Teams that want a self-serve software platform first and service second
How we evaluated BBSI
This review rests on the 14 facts this page shows, each checked against the source listed under “Sources”, most recently on . We did not test the product hands-on: the score uses only those verified facts, as our methodology explains; third-party ratings, where we quote them, never count in the score.
Our verdict
BBSI fits small and mid-sized employers, and larger ones, that want a PEO with local teams: the Core Package pairs each client with a payroll specialist, an HR consultant, a risk consultant and a business partner. Founded in 1951 and listed on NASDAQ, it prices each client from its workforce and risk profile. It is less suited to buyers who want a published rate before a consultation.
Strengths
Four named specialists
The Core Package assigns a payroll specialist, an HR consultant, a risk consultant and a business strategy partner to each client.
Evidence
Key features: Four dedicated specialists in the Core Package (payroll, HR, risk and business strategy), Local teams in 50+ locations, Pay-as-you-go workers’ compensation premiums with no deposits or year-end audits, On-site risk assessments, safety programs and claims management, Direct, contract-to-hire, temporary and seasonal placement through BBSI talent acquisition, myBBSI HRIS with employee self-service3
Risk and safety depth
The Core Package includes on-site risk assessments and safety training; workers’ compensation, with pay-as-you-go premiums and claims management, is an add-on quoted separately.
Evidence: Risk and safety services: Yes3
Long track record, public company
BBSI was founded in 1951 and is publicly traded on NASDAQ, so its filings are public.
Evidence: Founded: 19514
Broad industry coverage
Its industry page lists construction, manufacturing, hospitality and restaurants, nonprofits, home healthcare and transportation among the sectors it serves.
Evidence
Industry focus: Construction, Franchises, Professional services, Hospitality, Restaurants, Nonprofits, Restoration, Consultants and CPAs, Landscaping, Insurance agencies, Manufacturing, Home healthcare, Transportation, Real estate, Janitorial, Legal offices, HVAC and plumbing, Architecture and engineering, Physicians, Dentists, Towing5
Weaknesses
No published pricing
BBSI sets a custom rate per client and publishes no package prices.
Evidence: Price transparency: Quote only2
Benefits and workers’ comp are add-ons
Health benefits, workers’ compensation and the 401(k) plan sit outside the Core Package as optional services.
Evidence
Extra costs: Health benefits, talent acquisition, workers’ compensation and the 401(k) plan are optional add-ons to the Core Package, Optional myBBSI modules: performance management, applicant tracking, learning management and timekeeping integration, Rates reflect workers’ compensation risk: X-Mod, job classifications and loss history2
Price at a glance
Quick answers
- How does BBSI price its PEO?
- BBSI quotes each client from employee count, turnover, loss history, job risk and the X-Mod, plus the services chosen; it does not publish flat rates.Based on Pricing model: Quote only2
- Is BBSI pricing a flat fee?
- No. BBSI does not use flat or one-size-fits-all pricing; each client gets a custom rate that can change with headcount, roles and risk.Based on Price transparency: Quote only2
- Which BBSI services cost extra?
- Health benefits, talent acquisition, workers’ compensation, the 401(k) plan and the optional myBBSI modules for performance, applicant tracking, learning and timekeeping sit outside the Core Package.Based on Extra costs: Health benefits, talent acquisition, workers’ compensation and the 401(k) plan are optional add-ons to the Core Package, Optional myBBSI modules: performance management, applicant tracking, learning management and timekeeping integration, Rates reflect workers’ compensation risk: X-Mod, job classifications and loss history2
- What is included in the BBSI Core Package?
- Payroll processing and tax filings, HR consulting, risk and safety support, business strategy sessions and the myBBSI HR portal.
Coverage of core PEO services capabilities
Each core capability we evaluate in PEO Services, checked against BBSI’s own documentation. “Not verified yet” means we have not confirmed it either way, not that it is missing.
9 verified of 10 core capabilities
Specifications
Pricing
- Price transparency
- Quote only2
Fit
- Industry focus
- Construction, Franchises, Professional services, Hospitality, Restaurants, Nonprofits, Restoration, Consultants and CPAs, Landscaping, Insurance agencies, Manufacturing, Home healthcare, Transportation, Real estate, Janitorial, Legal offices, HVAC and plumbing, Architecture and engineering, Physicians, Dentists, Towing5
Where it ranks
- #17 of 24 scoredPEO Services
- #3 of 6 scoredPEO Services for Construction
- #3 of 5 scoredPEO Services for Enterprises
- #1 of 3 scoredPEO Services for Franchises
- #4 of 5 scoredPEO Services for Hospitality
- #6 of 9 scoredPEO Services for Manufacturing
- #13 of 20 scoredPEO Services for Mid-Sized Companies
- #5 of 8 scoredPEO Services for Nonprofits
- #5 of 7 scoredPEO Services for Restaurants
- #14 of 23 scoredPEO Services for Small Business
BBSI alternatives
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Support
About Barrett Business Services, Inc. (BBSI)
Official profiles
BBSI: frequently asked questions
Is BBSI a publicly traded company?
Yes. BBSI is listed on NASDAQ under the ticker BBSI and was founded in 1951.
Where is BBSI headquartered?
In Vancouver, Washington, with local teams in more than 50 locations.
Does BBSI handle workers' compensation?
Yes, as an optional service with pay-as-you-go premiums, claims management and safety programs.
Which industries does BBSI work with?
Its list includes construction, manufacturing, hospitality and restaurants, nonprofits, home healthcare, transportation, professional services and franchises.
Is BBSI legit?
BBSI is sold by Barrett Business Services, Inc. (BBSI), which was founded in 1951, is headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, US, and is publicly traded.
What are the best alternatives to BBSI?
In our PEO services ranking, the highest-scored products other than BBSI are Justworks, G&A Partners, and TriNet. Compared side by side, by reason to switch: BBSI alternatives.
Which is better, BBSI or ADP TotalSource?
It depends on the team. Choose BBSI if: you want a local team you can meet in person. Choose ADP TotalSource if: you want an IRS-certified PEO. The full comparison: BBSI vs ADP TotalSource.
What are the pros and cons of BBSI?
Strengths documented on the vendor’s own pages: four named specialists, risk and safety depth, and long track record, public company. It is less suited to buyers who need published PEO prices to compare before talking to sales and teams that want a self-serve software platform first and service second.
Does BBSI have a mobile app?
Yes. BBSI lists mobile apps: BBSI TimeNet (iOS).
How this page was made
What it is built from
14 verified facts, each checked against the vendor's own pages or another primary source, most recently on Nov 10, 2026.
Method
Scored and compared with the LeadChange methodology, version 1.5. Read the methodology
Independent review
Passed our independent review on Nov 7, 2026. How we review
Hands-on testing
We have not tested BBSI hands-on: this page uses public information only.
Who made it
The LeadChange Research Team, following a written research process. No named expert has reviewed this page. About us
Independence and errors
Who pays us never changes a score or a rank. If something here is wrong, tell us and we correct it publicly. Request a correction
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BBSILeadChange Score 5.0
Sources
The 7 pages this page's facts come from. The date beside each is our last check of the facts taken from it (the oldest, when they differ). The numbers beside the figures above link here.
Quotes from the sources
- BBSI bbsi.com/by-type“BBSI supports small to midsize businesses, large enterprises, franchises, and professional partners with scalable services and technology that adapt to every stage of growth.”
- BBSI bbsi.com/pricing“BBSI creates a custom pricing structure for each client based on business health, workforce makeup, and risk factors, with the ability to scale as your business grows.” “No. BBSI does not use flat or one‑size‑fits‑all pricing because every business has unique workforce needs, risk exposure, and operational complexity.”
- BBSI bbsi.com“BBSI pairs teams of industry experts with business owners in 50+ locations across the country, allowing us to provide hands-on service and support wherever your business operates.”
- BBSI bbsi.com/about“Founded in 1951, BBSI has grown from a staffing company into a nationwide PEO providing payroll, HR, risk, and strategic workforce support.” “Payroll & Human Resources Risk Management Strategic Planning Health Benefits & 401(k) Talent Acquisition Workers' Compensation”
- BBSI bbsi.com/industry“Construction Franchises Professional Services Hospitality & Restaurants Non-Profits Restoration Consultants & CPAs Landscaping Insurance Agencies Manufacturing Home Healthcare Transportation Real Estate Janitorial Legal Offices HVAC & Plumbing Architecture & Engineering Physicians Dentists Towing”
- Barrett Business Services bbsi.com/technology
- BBSI TimeNet (Apple App Store listing) apps.apple.com/us/app/bbsi-timenet/id1511759096“Now employees can easily record their time at work, at home, or on the road—all with TimeNet by BBSI.”
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