Hourly Software Review for Contractors

Last fact-check: 2026-10-03. Independent review based on official vendor documentation; no hands-on test is claimed.

Selecting workforce management software for traditional trades requires balancing field execution with back-office payroll compliance. For specialty and general trade contractors managing mobile field crews, administrative drag often stems from three disconnected processes: paper or app-based time clocking, payroll processing, and workers' compensation insurance premium calculations Hourly Homepage.

Hourly is a cloud-based payroll, time tracking, HR, and workers' compensation software platform developed specifically to address these challenges for small-to-midsized businesses in labor-intensive industries Hourly Homepage. By connecting employee time logs directly with payroll calculation engines and pay-as-you-go workers' compensation policies, Hourly aims to minimize manual entry errors, eliminate lump-sum insurance premium deposits, and prevent unexpected end-of-year audit bills Hourly Payroll.

This independent B2B buyer guide evaluates Hourly based strictly on its publicly available technical documentation, published fee schedules, privacy terms, and platform security declarations as of October 2026. It outlines the platform's features, workflow integrations, tier pricing, security controls, and operational limits to help trade contractors determine whether Hourly aligns with their operational needs.

Verdict

Hourly provides a specialized software platform tailored for trade contractors whose field operations require synchronized GPS time clocking, mobile payroll processing, and pay-as-you-go workers' compensation insurance Hourly Homepage. Its core value proposition lies in replacing estimated workers' comp premium payments with real-time wage calculations, stabilizing cash flow for trade businesses Hourly Pricing.

Best-Fit Contractors

• Small to Mid-Sized Trade Businesses: General contractors, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, masonry, roofing, landscaping, and maintenance operations employing hourly field crews Hourly Homepage.
• Contractors Experiencing Workers' Comp Audit Surprises: Businesses seeking to transition from lump-sum annual or estimated monthly workers' comp premiums to precise pay-as-you-go billing calculated directly from payroll runs Hourly Pricing.
• Distributed Field Teams: Trades requiring mobile clock-in/clock-out controls with real-time GPS location mapping, geofenced job site boundaries, and digital timesheet sign-offs Hourly Payroll.
• Companies Seeking Active-User Billing: Employers with seasonal or variable headcount who benefit from paying platform fees only for workers who log hours or receive pay in a given month Hourly Pricing.

Poor-Fit Contractors

• Large Enterprises with Complex Multi-State Payroll: Operations requiring deep enterprise resource planning (ERP) syncs, complex multi-entity structures, or custom union fringe benefit rate engines not detailed in standard commercial plans.
• Contractors Tied to Fixed Multi-Year Insurance Policies: Businesses unable or unwilling to switch or link their workers' comp insurance coverage through Hourly’s integrated insurance network or agent portal Hourly Homepage.
• Fixed-Desk White-Collar Workforces: Organizations that do not require GPS site tracking, job costing, or trade-specific compliance controls for hourly crews.

Decision Matrix for Contractors

What the official documentation confirms

Hourly's platform unites four core administrative functions into a single system: payroll processing, time tracking with GPS location verification, HR document management, and pay-as-you-go workers' compensation insurance integration Hourly Homepage.

                               +-----------------------------------+
                               |       Hourly Platform Core        |
                               +-----------------------------------+
                                                 |
         +-------------------+-------------------+-------------------+-------------------+
         |                   |                   |                   |                   |
         v                   v                   v                   v                   v
+-----------------+ +-----------------+ +-----------------+ +-----------------+ +-----------------+
|   Field Time    | | Full-Service    | | Real-Time Pay-  | | Paperless HR    | | Job Costing &   |
|   Tracking      | | Mobile Payroll  | | As-You-Go       | | Onboarding &    | | Department      |
|   & GPS Site    | | (W-2 & 1099)    | | Workers' Comp   | | Document Hub    | | Reporting       |
|   Geofencing    | |                 | |                 | |                 | |                 |
+-----------------+ +-----------------+ +-----------------+ +-----------------+ +-----------------+
         |                   |                   |                   |                   |
         +-------------------+-------------------+-------------------+-------------------+
                                                 |
                                                 v
                               +-----------------------------------+
                               |  Centralized Field & Back-Office  |
                               |          Administrative Hub       |
                               +-----------------------------------+

1. Pay-As-You-Go Workers' Compensation Insurance Sync

Traditional workers' compensation insurance requires contractors to estimate annual payroll upfront, pay substantial initial premium deposits, and adjust for variance during year-end audits. According to Hourly's documentation, the platform connects payroll wage data directly with workers' comp insurance policies Hourly Pricing.

• To-the-Penny Premium Calculation: Premiums are calculated using exact payroll figures from each pay period Hourly Pricing.
• Elimination of Upfront Deposits: Pay-as-you-go structures allow trade businesses to keep capital inside operating accounts rather than locking cash in annual carrier deposits Hourly Pricing.
• Audit Minimization: Real-time synchronization ensures that calculated premiums reflect actual gross wages, reducing the risk of audit penalties at policy year-end Hourly Payroll.
• Partner & Agent Network: Contractors can work with their existing insurance agent to link policies to Hourly's payroll app or secure coverage directly through Hourly's partner network Hourly Homepage.

2. GPS Time Clocking and Geofenced Site Management

Field crews in construction and trade services often work across multiple jobsites. Hourly includes integrated mobile time tracking designed to manage remote labor forces without requiring separate software subscriptions Hourly Payroll.

• Real-Time Job Site Mapping: Managers can view employee check-in locations on a real-time site map Hourly Payroll.
• Geofenced Boundaries: Administrators can set physical boundaries controlling where employees are permitted to clock in or clock out Hourly Payroll.
• Automated Shift Reminders: The mobile app sends automated alerts reminding workers to clock out when leaving job parameters or upon reaching eight hours of work Hourly Payroll.
• Mandatory Breaks and Lunch Enforcement: Platform features track mandatory break periods, supporting meal break compliance for hourly crews Hourly Payroll.
• Manager Overtime Approval Gates: Overtime accrual after eight hours of work requires manager review and approval before payroll processing Hourly Payroll.
• Digital Timesheet Signatures: Workers sign digital timesheets directly within the mobile application prior to payment issuing Hourly Payroll.

3. Full-Service Mobile and Web Payroll Processing

Hourly offers a payroll engine accessible via web browsers and mobile applications (iOS and Android) Hourly Payroll.

• W-2 Employees and 1099 Contractors: Supports payroll distribution for both permanent W-2 employees and independent 1099 trade subcontractors Hourly Payroll.
• Automated Tax Management: Hourly calculates, deducts, and remits local, state, and federal payroll taxes automatically, issuing W-2 and 1099 tax forms at year-end Hourly Payroll.
• Quarterly Filings & Withholding Reports: Generates quarterly reports covering federal and state withholdings, Social Security, and Medicare taxes Hourly Payroll.
• Court-Ordered Garnishments & Child Support: The platform manages wage garnishments and child support payments directly from worker paychecks Hourly Pricing.
• Flexible Direct Deposit and Check Printing: Supports direct deposit distribution alongside options to print checks locally or request next-day paper check delivery depending on subscription tier Hourly Pricing.

4. HR Document Control and Mobile Onboarding

To maintain compliance with labor standards and safety guidelines, Hourly includes built-in document management and employee onboarding capabilities Hourly Payroll.

• Paperless Mobile Onboarding: New workers complete onboarding directly from their mobile phones, entering tax withholdings, personal information, and direct deposit details Hourly Payroll.
• Document Control Hub: Managers can upload custom company documents—including employee handbooks, W-4s, and safety manuals—and dispatch them for employee signature using integrated DocuSign tools Hourly Payroll.
• Centralized Digital Storage: Signed employee I-9s, W-2s, and safety waivers are stored in an online repository accessible to company administrators Hourly Payroll.

5. Job Costing and Departmental Reporting

Contractors need clear labor-cost tracking across active projects. Hourly records hours, task details, and location data per worker, generating job costing reports that attribute labor expenses to specific departments or job sites Hourly Pricing.

Pricing and total-cost questions

Hourly structures its pricing model using a monthly base fee combined with a per-active-employee monthly charge Hourly Pricing. This structure helps contractors manage subscription costs during seasonal fluctuations in headcount Hourly Pricing.

Standard Pricing Tiers

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                            HOURLY SUBSCRIPTION TIERS                              |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|  GOLD PLAN                      |  PLATINUM PLAN                 |  PLATINUM+     |
|  $80/mo Base + $12/mo Per Active |  $120/mo Base + $16/mo Per     |  Custom        |
|  Employee                       |  Active Employee               |  Pricing       |
+---------------------------------+--------------------------------+----------------+
|  * 4-Day/2-Day Direct Deposit   |  * Next-Day/Same-Day Direct    |  * Custom      |
|  * Unlimited Payroll Runs       |    Deposit (upon qualification)|    Deposit     |
|  * Automated Tax Filings        |  * Everything in Gold Plan     |    Schedules   |
|  * W-2s & 1099 Processing       |  * Next-Day Check Delivery     |  * Full Custom |
|  * Workers' Comp Integration    |  * Unlimited HR Expert Access  |    Feature     |
|  * GPS Time Tracking & App      |  * Dedicated Success Manager   |    Suite       |
|  * Job Costing Reports          |  * Scheduling & Departments    |  * Dedicated   |
|  * HR Knowledge Base Access     |  * Expense & Tip Reports       |    Account     |
|  * Legal Garnishments           |  * Employee Hiring Tools       |    Management  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+

Gold Plan ("Best Seller")

• Base Cost: $80 per month Hourly Pricing.
• Per-Employee Cost: $12 per active employee per month Hourly Pricing.
• Direct Deposit Schedule: 4-day standard or 2-day direct deposit options Hourly Pricing.
• Included Features: Unlimited payroll runs, automated tax payments and filings, W-2 generation, legal garnishments, child support processing, pay-as-you-go workers' comp integration, mobile employee app, time tracking with GPS, job costing reports, local check printing, paperless onboarding, unlimited phone support, and access to an HR knowledge base Hourly Pricing.

Platinum Plan ("Best Value")

• Base Cost: $120 per month Hourly Pricing.
• Per-Employee Cost: $16 per active employee per month Hourly Pricing.
• Direct Deposit Schedule: Next-day or same-day direct deposit options (available after 8 qualifying payroll runs and credit approval) Hourly Pricing.
• Included Features: All features in Gold, plus next-day paper check delivery, dedicated customer success team, unlimited access to live HR experts, employee hiring tools, HR document creation, department structuring, advanced scheduling, expense reporting, and FICA tip reporting Hourly Pricing.

Platinum+ Plan ("Prime Deal")

• Base Cost & Per-Employee Fee: Custom contract pricing available upon request Hourly Pricing.
• Included Features: Full enterprise feature access, custom direct deposit schedules, and dedicated account support tailored to larger operations Hourly Pricing.

Key Billing and Financial Commitments

• Active User Billing Model: Hourly charges the per-employee fee only for active users—defined as any worker who records at least one shift or receives payment during the monthly billing cycle Hourly Pricing. Archived or inactive seasonal workers do not incur monthly fees Hourly Pricing.
• No Long-Term Contracts: Services operate on a month-to-month basis with no long-term obligations, allowing contractors to cancel at any time Hourly Pricing.
• 90-Day Money-Back Guarantee: Hourly provides a full refund of subscription fees within the first 90 days of service if the platform fails to meet the contractor's operational needs Hourly Pricing.

Pricing & Total-Cost Questions for the Sales Demo

1. What specific credit benchmarks and account history are required to qualify for same-day or next-day direct deposit under the Platinum plan? Hourly Pricing
2. Are there processing or delivery fees for next-day paper check delivery beyond the standard base monthly subscription? Hourly Pricing
3. How are workers' compensation insurance premiums billed alongside platform subscription fees, and what carriers are available in our operating state? Hourly Homepage
4. Are there year-end fees for issuing W-2s and 1099s, or are form filings fully covered under the base monthly pricing? Hourly Pricing

Workflow and integrations

Understanding how Hourly functions in daily operations requires examining the step-by-step workflow from field time capture through back-office payroll execution and insurance calculation Hourly Payroll.

[ Step 1: Field Time Logging ]
  --> Employee clocks in via mobile GPS app within geofenced site
  --> System enforces break schedules & records location coordinates

[ Step 2: Supervisor Approval ]
  --> Manager reviews shift entries, job codes & overtime gates
  --> Digital timesheet sign-off completed by field personnel

[ Step 3: Payroll Calculation & Tax Processing ]
  --> One-click payroll run processes W-2 wages & 1099 pay
  --> Local, state & federal tax deductions calculated automatically

[ Step 4: Workers' Comp Sync & Premium Calculation ]
  --> Payroll wage data connects instantly to pay-as-you-go policy
  --> Premium calculated to the exact cent without estimated deposits

[ Step 5: Funds Disbursement & Compliance Filing ]
  --> Direct deposit or paper check options executed
  --> Tax filings & garnishment transfers remitted to proper entities

Step-by-Step Field-to-Office Workflow

1. Field Clock-In and Geofence Verification: Workers open the Hourly app on their smartphones to clock into assigned job sites Hourly Payroll. The system verifies that the worker is within the established GPS geofence boundary before recording the start time Hourly Payroll.
2. Shift Execution & Mandatory Break Tracking: During the work shift, the application logs shift durations and reminds workers when mandatory meal or rest breaks are due Hourly Payroll. If an employee leaves the geofenced perimeter without clocking out or approaches eight hours of continuous work, automated system reminders prompt them to update their status Hourly Payroll.
3. Shift Review and Digital Signature: At the conclusion of the pay period, workers review their logged hours, breaks, and overtime entries directly within the mobile interface, submitting a signed digital timesheet Hourly Payroll.
4. Manager Approval & Overtime Gate: Supervisors receive submitted timesheets on the web or mobile dashboard Hourly Payroll. Managers review flagged overtime hours, job costing categories, and expense claims, approving time cards for payroll Hourly Payroll.
5. One-Click Payroll Execution: The payroll administrator reviews summary totals, confirms gross pay, and presses the execution button Hourly Payroll. Hourly processes direct deposits, queues paper checks, calculates payroll taxes, and schedules tax payments to government authorities Hourly Payroll.
6. Real-Time Workers' Comp Premium Sync: Concurrent with payroll processing, wage figures flow directly to the integrated workers' compensation policy, calculating the exact insurance premium due for that pay cycle and eliminating estimated lump-sum adjustments Hourly Pricing.

External Ecosystem & Software Integrations

Hourly's platform integrates several core systems directly into its native environment to keep administrative overhead low:

• DocuSign Electronic Signatures: Integrated directly into the Document Control Center to handle employment contracts, safety policy acknowledgments, and tax documents Hourly Payroll.
• Insurance Partner Portal: Allows licensed insurance agents to bind policies and connect client workers' compensation accounts directly into Hourly's payroll app Hourly Homepage.
• Accountant & Bookkeeper Access: External accounting professionals can log in to pull job costing reports, tax summaries, and payroll ledgers Hourly Homepage.

Note on Third-Party Accounting Engines: While accounting professionals can access platform reports, contractors utilizing general ledger platforms like QuickBooks, Xero, or Sage should verify API sync specs with Hourly's technical team during platform sales demos to confirm automated ledger entry workflows.

Implementation and support

Transitioning payroll and time clock systems requires dedicated setup to avoid payroll interruptions. Hourly provides an managed onboarding process designed to handle system migration on behalf of the customer Hourly Pricing.

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                            HOURLY ONBOARDING ROADMAP                              |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|  PHASE 1: Account Setup & Payroll Migration                                       |
|  * Vendor success team imports company data, worker profiles, and historical pay  |
|  * Workers' compensation policy linked directly to payroll engine                 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
                                       |
                                       v
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|  PHASE 2: Mobile App Distribution & Employee Onboarding                           |
|  * Field workers download iOS/Android app to complete self-onboarding             |
|  * I-9s, W-4s, and safety documents signed digitally via DocuSign                 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
                                       |
                                       v
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|  PHASE 3: GPS Geofencing & Site Configuration                                     |
|  * Administrators map active job site perimeters and configure overtime gates     |
|  * Supervisors trained on timesheet review and break management                   |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
                                       |
                                       v
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|  PHASE 4: Live Parallel Payroll & Ongoing Support                                 |
|  * Initial payroll executed under 90-day money-back protection window             |
|  * Access to dedicated success manager (Platinum) or phone support (Gold)         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+

Onboarding Process and Transition

According to Hourly's documentation, the onboarding team manages the initial payroll transition, importing historical employee data, setting up tax profiles, and confirming policy rates before calling the customer once the account is ready for operation Hourly Pricing.

• Employee Self-Onboarding: Field staff download the Hourly mobile app and complete personal profiles, enter bank account information for direct deposit, and complete required tax withholding forms in minutes Hourly Payroll.
• Job Site Configuration: Administrators define geofenced perimeters for active work sites and establish overtime approval rules, break duration defaults, and job costing codes Hourly Payroll.

Customer Support Tiers and SLA Structure

Hourly offers tiered support channels depending on the contractor's selected subscription plan Hourly Pricing:

• Gold Tier Support: Includes unlimited phone support during business hours alongside access to an online HR knowledge base containing answers and step-by-step documentation Hourly Pricing.
• Platinum & Platinum+ Support: Assigns a dedicated Customer Success Manager accessible via direct phone call, text message, or email Hourly Payroll. Platinum customers also receive unlimited access to live HR experts to assist with employment compliance, HR document creation, and complex labor questions Hourly Pricing.
• Direct Telephone Contact: Customer service and sales teams can be reached directly by phone at (844) 800-2211 Hourly Homepage.

Security and privacy questions

Software platforms processing employee Social Security numbers, banking information, and company wage ledgers must maintain robust technical and administrative security controls Hourly Security Overview.

Application, Network, and Infrastructure Security

Hourly details its multi-layered cloud security model across its technical documentation Hourly Security Overview:

• Perimeter and Data Center Security: Systems are hosted in Tier 1 data center facilities protected by physical access controls, environmental protections, and perimeter defenses Hourly Security Overview.
• Transmission Encryption: All web and mobile application communications utilize SSL/TLS encryption protocols to protect data in transit between mobile devices and server infrastructure Hourly Security Overview.
• Routine Security Audits: Hourly conducts systematic audits of applications, software code, operating networks, and server systems to identify potential vulnerabilities and maintain service integrity Hourly Security Overview.
• Fraud Mitigation Controls: The system integrates automated anomaly detection engines designed to flag unauthorized account access attempts, service abuse, and fraudulent payroll activity Hourly Security Overview.

Shared Responsibility Framework

Hourly operates under a shared responsibility model for platform security Hourly Security Overview:

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                        SHARED SECURITY RESPONSIBILITY MATRIX                      |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|  HOURLY, INC. RESPONSIBILITIES               |  CONTRACTOR CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES |
+----------------------------------------------+------------------------------------+
|  * Physical Data Center Security (Tier 1)    |  * User Credential & Password Mgmt |
|  * Network Perimeter Defenses & SSL Encryption|  * Internal User Role & Permission  |
|  * Cloud Infrastructure & Application Audits |    Access Administration           |
|  * Fraud Mitigation & Disaster Recovery      |  * Setting Internal HR & Overtime  |
|  * Software Bug & Security Patch Deployment  |    Approval Policies              |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+

Privacy Terms and Regulatory Declarations

Hourly's Privacy Policy (last updated August 13, 2025) outlines how client and employee personal data is collected, handled, and shared Hourly Privacy Policy:

• Data Usage Limits: Personal and financial data collected by Hourly is used to deliver payroll processing, wage tax filings, and insurance underwriting services Hourly Privacy Policy.
• Third-Party Service Providers: Hourly engages vetted third-party service providers to facilitate financial transactions, ACH transfers, and specific processing operations Hourly Privacy Policy.
• California Privacy Rights: The policy details data privacy rights for California residents, including options to inspect, verify, or request management of personal information stored on the platform Hourly Privacy Policy.
• Terms of Service Terms: Platform operations are governed by Hourly's Terms of Service (effective November 25, 2024), which define parameters for ACH payment processing, Funds Held For (FHF) balances, limitation of liability, and service parameters Hourly Terms of Service.

Limitations and who should not buy

While Hourly offers an integrated solution for trade contractors, documentation highlights specific operational boundaries and requirements that potential buyers must evaluate Hourly Payroll.

Operational Constraints & Qualification Gates

1. State-by-State Availability Declarations: Marketing assets on primary payroll pages feature specific state declarations (e.g., "California only" tags on select payroll promotion graphics) Hourly Payroll. Contractors operating outside California or across multiple state lines must confirm with sales that payroll tax filing engines and workers' compensation carrier networks are active in their specific jurisdictions Hourly Homepage.
2. Direct Deposit Qualification Hurdles: Same-day and next-day direct deposit features under the Platinum tier are not instantly available upon account creation Hourly Pricing. Documentation confirms that fast direct deposit options require a minimum of eight qualifying payroll runs and formal credit approval Hourly Pricing. New clients must initially operate on standard 4-day or 2-day direct deposit processing timelines Hourly Pricing.
3. Trade Focus vs. Corporate Enterprise Needs: Hourly is engineered specifically for mobile, hourly trade workforces (construction, HVAC, plumbing, masonry, landscaping) Hourly Homepage. Enterprises with large salaried executive teams, complex international payroll structures, multi-tiered corporate entities, or specialized union fringe benefit engines may require broader enterprise ERP platforms.
4. Third-Party Accounting Synchronization Details: While reports can be pulled by accounting staff, explicit API documentation for native real-time sync with accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks Online, Xero, Sage) is not fully detailed on primary pricing pages Hourly Pricing. Contractors must verify sync mechanics during sales demonstrations to ensure proper general ledger accounting workflows.

Alternatives to evaluate

When evaluating software for trade workforce operations, contractors should assess how Hourly compares to alternative platform categories available in the commercial marketplace:

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                        TRADE SOFTWARE CATEGORY COMPARISON                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|  PLATFORM CATEGORY           |  KEY CHARACTERISTICS        |  TYPICAL TRADE TRADE-OFF |
+------------------------------+-----------------------------+----------------------+
|  Integrated Trade Payroll    | Native pay-as-you-go comp,  | Optimized for field  |
|  & Time Tracking             | GPS geofencing, mobile app, | trades; less suited  |
|  (e.g., Hourly)              | active user billing.        | for white-collar enterprise.|
+------------------------------+-----------------------------+----------------------+
|  Generalist Small Business   | Broad payroll, extensive    | Workers' comp and time|
|  Payroll Platforms           | app marketplaces, flexible  | clocking often require|
|  (e.g., Gusto, QuickBooks)   | accounting integrations.    | third-party add-ons. |
+------------------------------+-----------------------------+----------------------+
|  Heavy Heavy-Duty Construction| Deep job costing, AIA       | High setup costs,    |
|  ERP Platforms               | billing, project management,| steep learning curve,|
|  (e.g., Foundation, Procore) | equipment tracking.         | complex administration.|
+------------------------------+-----------------------------+----------------------+
|  Professional Employer       | Co-employment model, leased | Bundled fee structures,|
|  Organizations (PEOs)        | workers, unified benefits.  | high overhead, loss  |
|                              |                             | of direct employment.|
+------------------------------+-----------------------------+----------------------+

1. Generalist Small Business Payroll Engines

Platforms such as Gusto or QuickBooks Payroll provide flexible payroll services across a wide range of industries.

• Trade Considerations: Generalist platforms offer broad application marketplaces and deep standard accounting integrations. However, they frequently rely on third-party software add-ons for GPS geofencing and pay-as-you-go workers' compensation tracking, which can lead to higher combined software costs and additional integration touchpoints compared to Hourly's all-in-one setup Hourly Homepage.

2. Specialized Construction ERP & Operations Platforms

Heavyweight industry platforms like Foundation Software or Procore (paired with specialized payroll engines) cater to large-scale commercial contractors.

• Trade Considerations: Construction ERPs offer comprehensive project management tools, including AIA progress billing, equipment tracking, and multi-state union payroll processing. However, they carry higher setup costs, longer implementation schedules, and greater administrative complexity, making them less suitable for small-to-midsized contractors seeking a mobile payroll solution Hourly Pricing.

3. Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs)

PEOs handle HR, payroll, and insurance management by entering into a co-employment arrangement with the client business Hourly Pricing.

• Trade Considerations: As highlighted in Hourly's official documentation, PEOs lease employees back to the contractor and bundle administrative, tax, and insurance costs into unified service fees Hourly Pricing. Hourly operates strictly as a software vendor rather than a PEO Hourly Pricing. This approach lets contractors retain direct employer control, maintain employee relationships, and review transparent itemized bills without co-employment fees or hidden bundled surcharges Hourly Pricing.

FAQ

Is Hourly a Professional Employer Organization (PEO)?

No. Hourly is not a PEO Hourly Pricing. PEOs lease employees to client businesses and bundle administration, payroll, and insurance fees together, making it difficult to analyze individual cost components Hourly Pricing. Hourly provides software that leaves full employer ownership and control with the contractor while providing transparent, itemized pricing for payroll, taxes, and workers' compensation insurance Hourly Pricing.

How does Hourly's Pay-As-You-Go Workers' Compensation integration work?

Hourly syncs real-time payroll data directly with workers' compensation insurance policies Hourly Pricing. Rather than requiring contractors to estimate annual payroll and pay large initial deposits, Hourly calculates premiums to the exact cent based on actual gross wages paid during each payroll run Hourly Pricing. This pay-as-you-go structure aligns premium costs with real-time labor expenses and minimizes unexpected end-of-year audit adjustments Hourly Payroll.

What are the pricing tiers and monthly subscription costs for Hourly?

Hourly offers two main public subscription tiers Hourly Pricing:

• Gold Plan: $80 per month base fee plus $12 per month per active employee Hourly Pricing.
• Platinum Plan: $120 per month base fee plus $16 per month per active employee Hourly Pricing.
• Platinum+ Plan: Custom contract pricing for enterprise operations Hourly Pricing.

How does Hourly handle time tracking and GPS geofencing for field crews?

Hourly includes integrated mobile time tracking accessible via iOS and Android apps Hourly Payroll. Managers can create geofenced boundaries around job sites and monitor worker check-ins on a real-time site map Hourly Payroll. The system automatically alerts employees to clock out when leaving job parameters or reaching eight hours of work, tracks mandatory lunch breaks, and requires manager approval for overtime Hourly Payroll.

What direct deposit speed options are available on Hourly?

The Gold plan includes standard 4-day or 2-day direct deposit options Hourly Pricing. The Platinum and Platinum+ plans offer accelerated next-day or same-day direct deposit Hourly Pricing. However, same-day and next-day direct deposit options require a minimum of eight qualifying payroll runs and credit approval before activation Hourly Pricing.

What is Hourly's active user billing policy?

Hourly charges per-employee fees only for active users—defined as employees or contractors who log at least one shift or receive a payment during that billing cycle Hourly Pricing. Contractors do not pay monthly platform fees for off-season or inactive personnel remaining in their database Hourly Pricing.

Is there a money-back guarantee if Hourly doesn't work for my business?

Yes. Hourly provides a 90-day money-back guarantee Hourly Pricing. If the platform does not meet a contractor's business needs, Hourly will fully refund subscription costs incurred within the first 90 days of service Hourly Pricing.

How does Hourly manage document storage and employee onboarding?

Hourly features a mobile onboarding process that lets new hires complete W-4s, enter bank details, and submit personal information via smartphone Hourly Payroll. Its Document Control Center integrates DocuSign, allowing managers to upload employee handbooks, safety manuals, and W-4s for digital signature and centralized cloud storage Hourly Payroll.

Official next step

Trade contractors evaluating software platforms should verify that Hourly's feature set and insurance integrations align with their specific operational and geographic requirements Hourly Homepage.

Actionable Evaluation Checklist for Contractors

• [ ] Verify Regional Insurance Coverage: Contact sales or an insurance partner to confirm that pay-as-you-go workers' compensation insurance carriers are active for your specific trade classification and state Hourly Homepage.
• [ ] Test Mobile GPS Geofencing: Schedule a product demo to test how geofenced site boundaries and automated break prompts render on field crew mobile devices Hourly Payroll.
• [ ] Review Direct Deposit Timelines: Confirm your initial direct deposit schedule (2-day or 4-day) and outline the steps required to qualify for next-day processing under the Platinum plan Hourly Pricing.
• [ ] Confirm General Ledger Export Workflows: Ensure that payroll summary reports and job costing data format cleanly for your current accounting or bookkeeping software Hourly Pricing.
• [ ] Assess Onboarding Requirements: Review the managed transition process with Hourly's setup team to establish a timeline for importing worker records and historical tax data Hourly Pricing.

To explore platform features, request a customized subscription quote, or schedule a platform demonstration, visit the vendor's official website:

Visit Hourly's Official Website