Gusto vs QuickBooks payroll for trades businesses
Last checked: October 21, 2026
Gusto (payroll only)
| Plan | Published price | Highlights listed |
|---|---|---|
| Simple | $49/mo + $6/mo per person | Single-state payroll, unlimited payrolls, tax filings |
| Plus | $80/mo + $12/mo per person | Time tracking and scheduling, multi-state payroll, next-day pay |
| Premium | $180/mo + $22/mo per person | HR guidance, compliance tools, project-based rules and costing |
Gusto says it is month-to-month and bills U.S. contractors only in months you pay them. Workers' comp (via NEXT) "starting at $14/mo". Source: gusto.com/product/pricing.
QuickBooks (payroll bundled with accounting)
| Bundle | List price | Promo shown during our check |
|---|---|---|
| Workforce Payroll + Simple Start | $88/mo + $6.50/employee | $44/mo + $6.50/employee (50% off for 3 months) |
| Middle bundle plan name not captured in our check | $125/mo + $6.50/employee | $62.50/mo + $6.50/employee |
| Workforce Premium + Plus | $203/mo + $10/employee | $101.50/mo + $10/employee |
The Premium bundle lists time tracking, job/project profitability, and an expert review of payroll setup. Source: quickbooks.intuit.com/payroll/pricing.
Which fits a trades shop?
- Already on QuickBooks Online for your books: the bundles put payroll and accounting in one bill.
- Payroll only, books elsewhere: Gusto's Simple plan has the lower published base fee.
- Using Jobber: Jobber's pricing page lists a Gusto integration that syncs timesheets and reimbursable expenses.
Prices are copied from the vendor pages on the date above and exclude taxes and add-ons. This is not tax or legal advice.