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Paylocity vs Paycom in 2026

Two seat-based mid-market HCMs, both quote-only. Paycom typically runs 15-25% higher PEPM but bundles more Talent functionality. Paylocity wins on transparent per-module pricing. Paycom wins on Beti self-service payroll savings. The decision often hinges on the implementation partner's preferred platform.

Side-by-side ledger (100 employees, default modules)

LinePaylocityPaycom
Provenancequote-onlyquote-only
Mid PEPM$16.00$18.00
Monthly base fee$0.00$0.00
Year 1 effective PEPM$29.00$31.00
Year 1 subscription$34,800$37,200
Implementation (midpoint)$9,000$15,000
Year 1 total$43,800$52,200
3-year TCO$126,429$140,528
3-year PEPM equivalent$35.12$39.04
Source[1][2]

Math: $29.00 x 100 x 12 = $34,800 (Paylocity), $31.00 x 100 x 12 = $37,200 (Paycom).

Decision aid

Pick Paylocity when the buyer wants to pick and choose modules (LMS, Comp, Surveys, Benefits Admin) rather than buy a single bundle.

Pick Paycom when self-service Beti payroll is a binding feature and the buyer wants TA + TM + HRM bundled out of the box.

Per-employee monthly cost?

Paylocity mid-band ~$16 PEPM; Paycom mid-band ~$18 PEPM. Subscription gap is ~13%. Including per-payroll-run fees, Paycom's all-in cost converges with Paylocity.

Implementation fee for 250 employees?

Paylocity $8,000-$12,000. Paycom $12,000-$20,000. Paylocity wins on year-1 implementation line by 30-40%.

Beti vs Paylocity Web Pay total cost effect?

Beti shifts payroll-error correction to employees; admin hours drop 30-50% per processing cycle. Web Pay puts that load on the payroll administrator. The subscription cost is similar; the labour-cost savings differ.

Stronger Talent Management?

Paycom owns Talent end-to-end (TA + TM in one bundle). Paylocity offers strong Recruiting and Performance modules but they are separately priced and integration is via the Paylocity platform layer.

Better multi-year contract terms?

Paylocity routinely caps renewal uplift at 5-7% on 3-year MSAs. Paycom is firmer on uplift; 8-12% is the typical observed range even on multi-year terms.

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