Patriot Payroll
Transparent DIY or full-service payroll for small US employers.
From $17/mo + $4/worker 30-day free trial
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Bottom line
US small-business payroll. Basic is $17/mo plus $4 per worker paid. 30 days free.
Stands out for: The lowest printed full-service-adjacent US payroll base: $17 plus $4, or Full Service at $37 plus $5.
Watch out for: 50 percent off for three months is a promo, not the ongoing rate. Full Service is $37 plus $5 per worker if you want the vendor to handle more tax work.
Overview
Patriot Payroll is US small-business payroll from Patriot Software. Basic is $17 per month plus $4 per worker paid. Full Service is $37 per month plus $5 per worker paid. A 30-day free period is included. A 50 percent off banner for three months is a promo: Basic then shows $8.50 plus $2, which is not the ongoing rate. Accounting software is sold beside payroll on the same vendor.
Tiny US employers pick Basic to keep the monthly floor low. Full Service costs more if you want the vendor to take on extra tax filing. There is no HCM-wide talent suite here. This is not QuickBooks. Buying is self-serve after the 30 free days. Per-worker fees apply only to workers you actually pay.
Who it's for
Best for
- US micro-businesses that want the $17 Basic rate
- Owners willing to do more payroll work to save
- Teams that will take 30 days free before paying
- Employers stepping up to Full Service at $37 plus $5
Not ideal for
- Companies that need a global payroll or EOR
- HR teams that want a full HCM suite
Key features
Basic & full-service plans. DIY tax filing or Patriot-handled deposits. You choose.
Per-worker billing. Base fee plus a charge only for workers you actually pay.
HR / time add-ons. Optional time & attendance and HR modules on the same employee list.
Pricing
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Payroll | $17/mo | Plus $4 per worker paid, 30 days free |
| Full Service | $37/mo | Plus $5 per worker paid |
Basic Payroll is $17/mo + $4 per worker paid. Full Service is $37/mo + $5 per worker. 30 days free. 50% off for 3 months is a promo (Basic then $8.50 + $2) and is not the ongoing rate. Confirm current terms on the vendor site.
Checked 19 Sep 2026. Vendors change prices without notice.
Is Patriot Payroll expensive?
Patriot Payroll starts at $17/mo + $4/worker. We list 47 payroll tools in total. 2 have a free tier, and those with a public price typically start around $40 a month.
- 28 quote-based
- 2 free tier
- 13 public price
Worked out automatically from every payroll listing, so it updates as the directory changes.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Basic $17/mo plus $4 per worker
- 30 days free
- Full Service option at $37 plus $5
Cons
- Promo 50% off is temporary
- US small business only
- Not a full HRIS
What's new at Patriot Payroll
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How Patriot Payroll compares
See all Patriot Payroll alternatives, with what each one does differently and a head to head for every pairing.
| Tool | Free tier | From | MCP | API | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | – | $17/mo + $4/worker | – | – | |
| | – | $29/mo + $7/worker | – | – | Compare |
| | – | $40/mo + $6/employee | – | – | Compare |
| | – | $49/mo | ✓ | ✓ | Compare |
| | – | $49/mo | – | ✓ | Compare |
$29/mo + $7/worker
Full-service $29 plus $7 if you want less DIY tax work.
$40/mo + $6/employee
Wave payroll if invoicing already lives in Wave.
$49/mo MCP API
Benefits-heavy payroll if you will grow past a $17 tool.
$49/mo API
Another small-business payroll if you want a different US vendor.
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