Paylocity Review
by Paylocity Holding Corporation
Paylocity is a cloud HR, payroll, time, benefits and finance suite for US employers, from small businesses to enterprises.
- Company size
- Small businesses, mid-market companies, enterprises1
- Pricing model
- Base fee + per employee2
- Integrations
- 4353
- Deployment
- Cloud2
Best for
- US employers wanting payroll, HR, time, benefits and finance from one vendor
- Employers with workers in several states or US territories
- US companies paying some employees abroad
Not ideal for
- Buyers who want published prices or named plans before a demo
- Buyers who want setup with no implementation fee
- Companies without a US base looking for a global payroll provider
How we evaluated Paylocity
This review rests on 27 facts checked against Paylocity’s official pricing pages and documentation, most recently on . We did not test the product hands-on: the score and the pros and cons use only those verified facts, as our methodology explains, and third-party ratings are quoted, never scored.
Our verdict
Paylocity fits US employers that want payroll, HR, time, benefits and finance tools from one vendor, with tax filing in all 50 states. It publishes no prices, so cost depends on headcount, products and a non-refundable implementation fee set in a quote. Most contracts can be canceled on 60 days' notice. It is less suited to buyers who want to compare published plan prices before a demo.
Strengths
HR, finance and IT in one suite
Modules run from payroll, HR, time and benefits to expense management, AP automation, procurement, headcount planning and identity management.
Evidence: Modules: Payroll, Global Payroll, Human Resources, Time & Labor, Talent Management, Benefits, Employee Experience, Expense Management, Corporate Cards, AP Automation, Guided Procurement, Headcount Planning, Asset Management, Access Management & Identity1
Tax filing with an error guarantee
Paylocity files federal, state and local taxes as an IRS Registered Reporting Agent in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam. It assumes penalties and interest caused by its own errors.
Evidence: Automatic tax filing: Yes4
Flexible time collection
Employees can clock in by mobile, web, kiosk, time clock or Apple Watch, with geofenced location checks.
Evidence: Key features: 30+ payroll audits with automatic alerts, Time collection via mobile, web, kiosk or time clock, Location-based clock-in with geofencing, 600+ pre-built learning and development classes, Compliance dashboard, On Demand Payment (earned wage access; same-day funds for requests by 2 PM CT), Wage garnishment managed services5
API with webhooks
OAuth2-secured APIs and webhooks for new hires, changes, terminations and processed payrolls keep other systems in sync. API, EDI and SFTP feeds are also listed.
Evidence: Open API: Yes6
Audited security
Independent firms attest to Paylocity's SOC 1 and SOC 2 Type II controls each year, and it is ISO 27001:2022 certified.
Evidence: SOC 2 Type II: Yes7
Weaknesses
Quote-only pricing
The pricing page lists no prices or named plans. Per the 10-K, fees combine a base fee with per-employee fees tied to headcount and products used.
Evidence: Price transparency: Quote only5
Setup and filing fees are extra
Implementation fees are charged and are non-refundable. W-2 preparation, annual filings and time clocks also add cost. Amounts are not published.
Evidence: Implementation fee: Charged: nonrefundable implementation fees for professional services to set up the client and load data (amount not published)2
Weekday support hours
Less suited to teams that need weekend phone help. Administrator support runs Monday to Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Central Time.
Evidence: Support hours: Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Central Time8
Some APIs are partner-only
Assessments, background check, LMS, partner onboarding and pay details APIs are limited to partners with a Technology Partnership Agreement.
Evidence: Open API: Yes6
Price at a glance
Quick answers
- How much does Paylocity cost?
- Paylocity does not publish prices or named plans. Per its 10-K, clients pay a base fee plus per-employee fees that depend on headcount and the number of products used. Non-refundable implementation fees are charged on top.Based on Price transparency: Quote only5
- Does Paylocity charge an implementation fee?
- Yes. Paylocity charges non-refundable implementation fees to set up clients and load their data. The amount is not published.Based on Implementation fee: Charged: nonrefundable implementation fees for professional services to set up the client and load data (amount not published)2
- Does Paylocity require a long-term contract?
- Usually not. Per its 10-K, most client agreements can be canceled on 60 days' notice or less. Paylocity also signs term agreements, which are generally two years long.Based on Contract term: Custom2
- Is Paylocity legit?
- Yes. Paylocity has operated since 1997, trades on Nasdaq as PCTY and is based in Schaumburg, Illinois. It is ISO 27001:2022 certified and has annual SOC 1 and SOC 2 Type II attestations.Based on Founded: 19979
Coverage of core HCM software capabilities
Each core capability we evaluate in HCM Software, checked against Paylocity’s own documentation. “Not verified yet” means we have not confirmed it either way, not that it is missing.
10 verified of 12 core capabilities
HCM Software
Specifications
Fit
- Industry focus
- Education, Financial services, Government services, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Nonprofits, Religious organizations, Restaurants, Hospitality, Retail & wholesale, Technology, Transportation & logistics10
- Countries supported
- 1002
- US states supported
- All 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam4
Product
- Modules
- Payroll, Global Payroll, Human Resources, Time & Labor, Talent Management, Benefits, Employee Experience, Expense Management, Corporate Cards, AP Automation, Guided Procurement, Headcount Planning, Asset Management, Access Management & Identity1
- Mobile apps
- iOS, Android, Apple Watch11
- AI features
- Ignite AI platform-wide AI with purpose-built agents (pay, time, recruiting), Ignite AI Hub (agent library, monitoring and impact measurement), AI Assistant answering Paylocity and company-handbook questions, Plain-language payroll variance explanations before submission, AI-powered touchless expense reports and AP invoice capture, AI-powered contract insights in Guided Procurement2
Paylocity integrations
9 integrations we documented, by how they connect. Paylocity reports 435 native integrations in total.
Partner and marketplace apps
Paylocity integration coverage
The 10 apps that HCM software products document most often, and whether Paylocity documents each.
5 of the 10 most-connected apps documented by Paylocity; median of the 9 products compared: 4
- Checkr · documented by 4 of 9
- Indeed · documented by 4 of 9
- Okta · documented by 4 of 9
- Deputy · documented by 3 of 9
- Employee Navigator · documented by 3 of 9
- Greenhouse · documented by 3 of 9
- QuickBooks Online · documented by 3 of 9
- Slack · documented by 3 of 9
- Vestwell · documented by 3 of 9
- DocuSign · documented by 2 of 9
Integrations each vendor documents (native, marketplace, Zapier or API), 9 live HCM software products. Not documented does not mean not possible.
Where it ranks
- #1 of 10 scoredHCM Software
- #8 of 14 scoredPayroll Software
- #13 of 19 scoredHRIS Software
- #3 of 6 scoredHRIS Software for Education
- #4 of 10 scoredHRIS Software for Enterprises
- #1 of 1 scoredHRIS Software for Government
- #7 of 11 scoredHRIS Software for Healthcare
- #5 of 8 scoredHRIS Software for Hospitality
- #7 of 11 scoredHRIS Software for Manufacturing
- #11 of 16 scoredHRIS Software for Mid-Sized Companies
- #5 of 8 scoredHRIS Software for Nonprofits
- #4 of 6 scoredHRIS Software for Restaurants
Paylocity alternatives
isolved People Cloud70% similar
ADP Workforce Now60% similar
Paycom59% similar
Dayforce45% similar
Workday HCM45% similar
SAP SuccessFactors40% similar
Compare Paylocity
Security and compliance
Implementation and support
About Paylocity Holding Corporation
Official profiles
Frequently asked questions
Is Paylocity legit?
Paylocity is sold by Paylocity Holding Corporation, which was founded in 1997, is headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois, US, and is publicly traded. Paylocity Holding Corporation states that it holds a current SOC 2 Type II report. Before you sign, review the contract terms and ask for the security documentation that applies to your plan.
Does Paylocity file payroll taxes in all 50 states?
Yes. Paylocity is an IRS Registered Reporting Agent in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. It files federal, state and local taxes and assumes penalties caused by its own errors.
Does Paylocity support global payroll?
Yes. Its global payroll lets US-based companies pay employees in over 100 countries under local rules.
Does Paylocity offer on demand pay?
Yes. On Demand Payment gives employees early access to earned wages, with same-day funds for requests made by 2 p.m. Central Time.
Does Paylocity have a mobile app?
Yes. Paylocity has iOS and Android apps for employers and employees, plus an Apple Watch app for clocking in and out.
What is Paylocity used for?
Paylocity is a HCM software product built for small businesses, mid-market companies, and enterprises. Its modules include Payroll, Global Payroll, Human Resources, Time & Labor, and 10 more.
What are the best alternatives to Paylocity?
In our HCM software ranking, the highest-scored products other than Paylocity are ADP Workforce Now, Dayforce, and Paycom. Compared side by side, by reason to switch: Paylocity alternatives.
Which is better, Paylocity or Insperity (PEO)?
It depends on the team. Choose Paylocity if: you want to run payroll yourself, with 30+ automatic payroll audits. Choose Insperity (PEO) if: you want a PEO that co-employs your staff and covers workers' comp. The full comparison: Paylocity vs Insperity (PEO).
What are the pros and cons of Paylocity?
Strengths documented on the vendor’s own pages: HR, finance and IT in one suite, tax filing with an error guarantee, and flexible time collection. It is less suited to buyers who want published prices or named plans before a demo and buyers who want setup with no implementation fee.
Does Paylocity have an API?
Yes. Paylocity offers an open API (HTTPS API with OAuth2 client credentials and Webhooks), with webhooks for event updates.
What does Paylocity integrate with?
Paylocity lists 435 integrations, including Greenhouse, Checkr, and Indeed. Every documented connection: Paylocity integrations.
How this page was made
What it is built from
27 verified facts, each checked against the vendor's own pages or another primary source, most recently on Oct 21, 2026.
Method
Scored and compared with the LeadChange methodology, version 1.3. Read the methodology
Independent review
Not reviewed yet by our independent reviewer. How we review
Hands-on testing
We have not tested Paylocity 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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How we make money
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What changed
PricingPaylocity’s pricing model: base fee + per employee (previously quote only).
FeaturesPaylocity lists 4 more AI features.
FeaturesPaylocity updated its modules: added Guided Procurement; no longer lists Procurement.
Earlier changes (2)
FeaturesPaylocity added On Demand Payment and Wage garnishment managed services to its key features.
PublishedFirst published.
Sources
The 14 pages this page's facts come from, with the day we last checked each one. The numbers beside the figures above link here.
Quotes from the sources
- paylocity.com · Paylocity · checked Oct 21, 2026“Small Business (1-99 employees) Midsize Business (100-499 employees) Enterprise (500+ employees)” “Payroll Global Payroll Human Resources Time & Labor Talent Benefits Employee Experience Talent Management”
- sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1591698/000159169826000069/pcty-20260630.htm · U.S. SEC (Paylocity Form 10-K) · checked Oct 9, 2026“Recurring fees for each client generally include a base fee in addition to a fee based on the number of client employees and the number of products a client uses.” “We are a leading cloud-based provider of human capital management (“HCM”), finance and IT software solutions.”
- paylocity.com/products/capabilities/integrations · Paylocity · checked Oct 9, 2026“Yes, Paylocity offers hundreds of integrations across HR, payroll, benefits, accounting, time tracking, and other systems.”
- paylocity.com/who-we-serve/multi-state-payroll · Paylocity · checked Oct 9, 2026“Automated federal, state, and local tax filings, ensuring accuracy and reducing administrative burden.” “We're a Registered Reporting Agent with the IRS in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam.”
- paylocity.com/pricing · Paylocity · checked Oct 21, 2026“Automated and custom payroll workflows Global payroll support for 100+ countries Digital expense management 30+ payroll audits with automatic alerts Accurate, on-time tax filings Flexible on demand payment options Expert support with wage garnishment managed services” “Want to Learn More About Paylocity's Pricing? Contact us and explore our flexible pricing plans that fit your needs. Request Pricing”
- developer.paylocity.com/integrations/docs/getting-started · Paylocity · checked Oct 9, 2026“Paylocity offers access to APIs that allow customers and partners to access desired data quickly and securely for building integrations.”
- paylocity.com/company/protecting-our-clients · Paylocity · checked Oct 9, 2026“We engage reputable audit firms who perform annual independent attestations for SOC 1 and SOC 2 Type II, which cover controls related to financial reporting, security, confidentiality, and availability.” “We are ISO 27001:2022 certified.”
- paylocity.com/contact/client-support/administrator-support · Paylocity · checked Oct 9, 2026“Monday through Friday 6:00a.m. — 7:30p.m., Central Time”
- paylocity.com/company/about-us · Paylocity · checked Oct 9, 2026“Since 1997, we’ve been partnering with organizations to create workplaces where employees thrive, and businesses excel.”
- paylocity.com/who-we-serve/industries · Paylocity · checked Oct 21, 2026“The best HR & Payroll solution for your industry … Education Financial Services Government Services Healthcare Manufacturing Nonprofit Religious Organizations Restaurants & Hospitality Retail & Wholesale Technology Transportation & Logistics”
- paylocity.com/products/capabilities/mobile · Paylocity · checked Oct 9, 2026“To download Paylocity's HR & payroll Mobile App, simply visit your device's app store (e.g., Google Play Store for Android or App Store for iOS).”
- developer.paylocity.com/integrations/reference/authentication · Paylocity · checked Oct 9, 2026“Paylocity APIs utilize the Client Credentials flow from OAuth2 for authentication.”
- developer.paylocity.com/integrations/reference/webhooks-overview · Paylocity · checked Oct 9, 2026“Webhooks are automated JSON POST messages transmitted via HTTPS, sent to a unique URL that you've configured for your system to listen for these notifications.”
- learn.microsoft.com/en-us/entra/identity/saas-apps/paylocity-tutorial · Microsoft · checked Oct 9, 2026“Paylocity supports SP and IDP initiated SSO”
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