Best Construction Payroll Software 2025

• Construction-specific payroll processing 
• Certified payroll reporting and compliance management  
• Time tracking 
• Integrations with construction management tools  
• Employee self-service portal  
• Mobile app for easy access to pay stubs, payroll reports, and other payroll data

Construction-Specific Payroll Processing 

• Unlike general business payroll, construction payroll must navigate unique complexities such as:  
• Multi-company structures (where employees might work for different entities under a single umbrella) 
• Multi-rate pay (where an employee's hourly wage can change based on the job, task, or even the time of day) 
• Union agreements (which dictate specific wage scales, fringe benefits, deductions for dues, and detailed reporting requirements) 
• Prevailing wage laws (which mandate minimum hourly rates and benefits for workers on government-funded projects) 

Software designed with these nuances in mind automates these calculations, ensures compliance with strict regulations like certified payroll reporting (e.g., WH-347), and accurately allocates labor costs to specific jobs or cost codes, preventing costly errors, reducing administrative burden, and providing precise financial insights critical for project profitability. 

Certified Payroll Reporting and Compliance Management 

A cornerstone feature of any robust construction payroll software is its ability to provide certified payroll reporting. This includes the accurate tracking and application of prevailing wage rates, often mandated for government-funded projects, as well as the precise handling of union dues and fringe benefits.  

Comprehensive compliance management is also essential. It acts as a safeguard against costly tax penalties and legal issues, ensuring that every aspect of payroll processing adheres to federal, state, and local regulations.  

Time Tracking  

Accurate labor time tracking is paramount in construction, where labor costs directly impact project profitability. The best construction payroll software addresses this by offering integrated and automated time tracking and reporting capabilities.  

This feature is crucial for avoiding common payroll errors that can arise from manual data entry or disparate systems. By providing or integrating with dedicated time-tracking tools, the software records labor hours for each employee or contractor. This granular data is then directly fed into the payroll system, enabling accurate job costing and ensuring employees are paid correctly for the time they spend on-site.  

Integrations with Construction Management Tools 

The true power of modern construction payroll software is unlocked through integrations with other construction management tools. This includes vital connections to project management platforms, accounting software, and workforce management software.  

The best construction payroll solutions are designed to eliminate data silos, ensuring that critical information flows effortlessly between departments. For construction companies juggling multiple job sites, varying pay rates and complex labor costs, these integrations are invaluable.  

True construction payroll software integration provides a unified view of financial and operational data, enabling accurate payroll processing, real-time job costing, and more efficient overall management. 

Employee Self-Service Portal  

An employee self-service (ESS) portal is a digital platform that allows employees to independently access and manage various aspects of their employment, particularly related to payroll and HR.  

Instead of relying on HR or payroll staff for routine requests, construction employees can log in securely to view their pay stubs, W-2s, tax information, request time off, update personal details like address or direct deposit information, and even access company policies or training materials.  

For construction companies, often managing a dispersed workforce, an ESS portal is invaluable as it provides 24/7 access to critical information regardless of location, reducing administrative burden on payroll and HR departments, improving data accuracy by allowing employees to update their own details, and fostering greater employee satisfaction and autonomy. 

Mobile Apps 

A mobile app for construction payroll provides a critical connection between the office and the job site, delivering immediate access to vital payroll data for both employees and management.  

For field-based construction workers who are rarely at a desk, a mobile app allows them to conveniently view their pay stubs, check their time worked, access tax documents like W-2s, and even submit time-off requests directly from their smartphone or tablet, reducing the need for paper and eliminating delays.  

For project managers and supervisors, a mobile app enables them to review and approve timesheets, track real-time labor costs by job, and access key payroll reports on the go, facilitating quicker decision-making and ensuring projects stay on budget, ultimately enhancing efficiency and accuracy across distributed construction teams. 

Choosing the right construction payroll software is a critical decision that directly impacts your company's efficiency, compliance, and profitability.  

The "best" solution isn't universal; it depends entirely on the unique operational needs, size, and complexity of your specific construction business. Factors such as:  

• The types of projects you undertake (e.g., residential, commercial, government contracts) 
• The composition of your workforce (union, non-union, salaried, hourly, 1099 contractors) 
• Your growth trajectory  

all play a significant role in determining which software will deliver the most value. A comprehensive evaluation of your current payroll processes and future requirements is the essential first step to finding a system that truly aligns with your business goals. 

The Power of User Reviews 

User reviews are an invaluable resource in understanding the real-world performance of payroll software. Independent reviews offer unfiltered insights from actual users who experience the software's strengths and weaknesses day-to-day.  

These reviews can highlight crucial aspects such as ease of use, the effectiveness of customer support, the stability of mobile applications, and how well the software handles specific construction-related challenges like complex time tracking.  

Understanding Pricing Models 

Pricing for payroll software varies significantly depending on the provider, the breadth of features offered, and the level of service.  

Most construction payroll software providers utilize tiered pricing models, typically based on the number of employees, with additional costs for advanced features, specific modules (like HR or advanced analytics), or premium support.  

Some offer a base monthly fee plus a per-employee charge, while others may have custom quoting for comprehensive ERP solutions.  

It's crucial to look beyond the advertised base price and understand all potential costs, including setup fees, training costs, integration fees, and any charges for additional features like multi-state payroll or specific compliance reporting.  

Construction Payroll Software Support 

Beyond features and pricing, the quality of construction payroll software support is paramount. Construction payroll software providers offer various support options, ranging from extensive online knowledge bases, FAQs, and community forums to direct customer service via phone, email, or live chat, and dedicated training programs.  

The right payroll software, backed by responsive and knowledgeable support that understands the nuances of the construction industry, can significantly reduce payroll headaches, improve overall operational efficiency, and provide peace of mind. 

Access Coins Overview 

Access Coins is a comprehensive Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system specifically built for the construction, engineering, and service industries. It's designed to provide real-time data and automated workflows across the entire construction lifecycle, including robust payroll functionalities. Access Coins helps construction contractors manage margins, mitigate risk, and deliver projects successfully by centralizing information and streamlining processes from finance and operations to workforce management. 

Access Coins Key Features 

• Construction-specific payroll processing (multi-company, multi-rate, union, prevailing wage) 
• Automated certified payroll reporting 
• Integrated time capture 
• Real-time labor cost tracking and job costing 
• HR Information System (HRIS) 
• Recruitment and onboarding tools 
• Benefits management and administration 
• Expense management 
• Financial management (general ledger, AP/AR, budgeting, forecasting) 
• Business intelligence and configurable reporting 
• Integrations with other construction software 

Strengths 

• Independent reviews consistently highlight Access Coins' deep specialization and industry-specific design as a major strength.  
• Users praise its ability to handle complex construction payroll requirements, including detailed union and prevailing wage calculations, and its comprehensive job costing capabilities that provide real-time insights into project profitability.  
• The all-in-one ERP approach is valued for centralizing data and integrating various functions, reducing manual effort and improving accuracy.  
• Reviewers also appreciate its configurable nature, allowing it to adapt to unique business needs, and the mobile-friendly employee self-service options. 

Weaknesses 

• As a comprehensive ERP system, independent reviews often point to the investment required for implementation, both in terms of cost and time.  
• Some users have reported that the customization process can feel overwhelming due to the system's flexibility.  

Pricing 

As a comprehensive ERP solution, the cost is customized based on factors such as the size of the business, the specific modules required, the number of users, and deployment preferences. 

Contact us for a custom quote >

Access Coins is Best For: 

Access Coins is best suited for medium to large-scale specialty and MEP contractors, including HVAC, mechanical and electrical contractors, civil engineering firms, and general contractors with complex operations. It is ideal for companies that require an integrated, industry-specific ERP system to manage intricate financial, project, and workforce data, including highly specialized payroll needs (e.g., extensive union and prevailing wage compliance, multi-company structures), and who are willing to invest in a robust solution for long-term efficiency and data visibility. 

QuickBooks Payroll 

QuickBooks Payroll Overview 

QuickBooks Payroll is a widely used payroll service offered by Intuit, designed to integrate with QuickBooks accounting software. While it serves a broad range of small to medium-sized businesses, it offers features for construction companies, including job costing, time tracking integrations, and the ability to manage both W-2 employees and 1099 contractors. It aims to automate tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits. 

QuickBooks Payroll Key Features 

• Full-service payroll with automated tax calculations, filings, and payments 
• Direct deposit options 
• 1099 e-filing for contractors 
• Time tracking and scheduling (via QuickBooks Time, often bundled or integrated) 
• Job costing and project tracking reports (available on higher-tier plans or through QuickBooks accounting integration) 
• Employee self-service portal (pay stubs, W-2s) 
• Workers' compensation administration 
• Benefits administration (health, 401(k) plans) 
• Multi-state payroll processing (often with additional fees on lower tiers) 

Strengths 

• Independent reviews consistently highlight QuickBooks Payroll's integration with QuickBooks accounting software as a major strength. 
• Users appreciate its user-friendly interface and ease of setup, making it accessible even for those without extensive payroll experience.  
• For construction, its ability to track labor costs by job or project, manage 1099 contractors, and integrate with time tracking solutions are frequently cited as benefits.  

Weaknesses 

• Some independent reviews note that while QuickBooks Payroll offers features for construction, it may not be as specialized in handling highly complex construction payroll needs like prevailing wage, complex union calculations, or certified payroll reporting automation compared to dedicated construction payroll solutions.  

Pricing 

• QuickBooks Payroll offers tiered plans, often bundled with QuickBooks Online accounting software: 
• Payroll Core: Starting around $40-$50/month + $6/month per person. Includes full-service payroll, automated taxes & forms, direct deposit, employee portal, basic HR and benefits administration. 
• Payroll Premium: Starting around $75-$85/month + $8-$9/month per person. Includes all Core features plus same-day direct deposit, QuickBooks Time (time tracking), HR support center, and enhanced team management tools. 
• Payroll Elite: Starting around $125-$130/month + $10-$11/month per person. Includes all Premium features plus tax penalty protection, a personal HR advisor, project tracking, and guided setup. 

QuickBooks Payroll is Best For: 

QuickBooks Payroll is best for small to medium-sized construction companies (from sole proprietors to those with around 50-100 employees) that are already using or plan to use QuickBooks accounting software.  

ADP Workforce Now 

ADP Workforce Now Overview 

ADP Workforce Now for Construction is a human capital management (HCM) solution specifically designed to address the unique payroll and HR challenges faced by the construction industry. It integrates payroll, HR, time tracking, talent management, and benefits administration into a single platform. This specialized software helps construction firms accurately calculate job costing for labor, manage government contracts and union requirements, and streamline talent acquisition and retention. 

ADP Workforce Now - Key Features 

• Construction-specific payroll and compliance 
• Prevailing wage and certified payroll reporting 
• Union wage and benefit management 
• Real-time time and attendance tracking with job costing integration 
• Talent acquisition and recruiting tools (applicant tracking, compensation benchmarking) 
• Benefits administration and online enrollment 
• Employee self-service portal (pay stubs, time-off requests, personal info updates) 
• HR management suite (onboarding, performance management, document management) 

Strengths 

• According to independent reviews, users frequently highlight ADP Workforce Now for its comprehensive, all-in-one platform that consolidates payroll, HR, time tracking, and benefits administration.  
• Reviewers also appreciate its robust compliance support, particularly for complex payroll tax regulations. 
• Many users find the employee self-service options valuable for enhancing efficiency. 

Weaknesses 

• A common weakness mentioned in independent reviews include occasional lack of flexibility and customization for certain functions, which can limit tailoring to specific organizational needs. 

Pricing 

ADP Workforce Now provides customized quotes based on the size and specific needs of the construction company. 

ADP Workforce Now is Best For: 

ADP Workforce Now for Construction is best suited for mid-sized to large construction companies (typically 50 to 1,500+ employees) that require a robust and comprehensive HCM solution. 

Payroll4Construction 

Payroll4Construction Overview 

Payroll4Construction, part of Foundation Software, is a payroll service specifically tailored for the construction industry. It specializes in handling the unique complexities of construction payroll, such as prevailing wage rates, union fringes, multi-state and multi-trade payroll, and certified payroll reporting.  

Payroll4Construction - Key Features 

• Construction-specific payroll processing 
• Automated certified payroll reporting (e.g., WH-347) 
• Union wage and benefit reporting and tracking 
• Prevailing wage calculations and compliance 
• Multi-state, multi-locality, and multi-trade payroll management 
• Automated tax filing (federal, state, local) and W-2s 
• Job costing and workers' compensation reporting 
• Employee self-service portal (pay stubs, W-2s) 
• Integrations with construction accounting software  

Strengths 

• Users highly praise its ability to handle complex union reporting, prevailing wages, and certified payroll, which are often major pain points for contractors.  
• Strong customer support, with knowledgeable and responsive construction payroll experts, is frequently cited as a significant advantage, often available by phone with a "live person."  

Weaknesses 

• As a specialized software, it may not offer the breadth of general HR features found in larger platforms that are not construction-specific. 

Pricing 

Payroll4Construction provides customized quotes based on the size and specific needs of the construction company. 

Payroll4Construction is Best For: 

Payroll4Construction is best for contractors (e.g., union contractors, commercial contractors, government contractors, specialty trades) who want to use a highly specialized service that automates industry-specific compliance and reporting requirements. 

Miter 

Miter Overview 

Miter is a construction HCM platform designed to enhance efficiency across payroll, human resources, expenses, and field operations for contractors. Miter's automated payroll system focuses on compliance reporting, multi-state tax management, and real-time labor cost tracking for specific jobs.  

Miter - Key Features 

• Construction-specific payroll (union, prevailing wage, multi-state, multi-rate) 
• Certified payroll reporting automation (including WH-347) 
• Integrated time tracking  
• Job costing for labor and expenses 
• HR Information System (HRIS) 
• Recruitment and onboarding tools 
• Benefits administration 
• Expense management 
• Employee self-service portal 
• Integrations with accounting systems 

Strengths 

• Independent reviews suggest Miter's core strength lies in its comprehensive, construction-specific approach to HR and payroll, effectively handling complex industry requirements like prevailing wages and union payroll.  
• Users often praise its integrated time tracking and job costing features, which provide real-time visibility into labor costs and streamline financial reporting.  

Weaknesses 

• While Miter aims for an all-in-one solution, some independent reviews, particularly from app store feedback, indicate potential issues with the mobile app's stability and interface, with users reporting crashes on Android devices and slow loading times.  

Pricing 

Miter provides customized quotes based on the size and specific needs of the construction company. 

Miter is Best For: 

Miter is best for specialty contractors and general contractors who require an integrated platform for managing their workforce. It's well-suited for companies looking to unify their HR, payroll, time tracking, and expense management within a single, construction-focused system. 

Gusto 

Gusto Overview 

Gusto is a cloud-based payroll, benefits, and HR platform designed to simplify employee management for small and medium-sized businesses. While not exclusively for construction, Gusto offers features like time tracking, job costing capabilities, and integrations that can support the unique needs of construction, including managing varied pay rates and schedules, and handling compliance. It aims to automate tax filings, direct deposits, and benefits administration. 

Gusto - Key Features 

• Automated tax filing and W-2/1099 creation 
• Benefits administration 
• Time tracking and PTO management  
• Project tracking and job costing reports 
• Hiring and onboarding tools (digital I-9s, W-4s, offer letters) 
• Employee self-service portal (pay stubs, W-2s, personal info updates) 
• Compliance alerts 
• Integrations with accounting software 

Strengths 

• Independent reviews often praise Gusto for its user-friendly interface and intuitive design 
• Many users appreciate the transparent pricing and the employee self-service features.  
• For construction, its integrated time tracking, project tracking, and job costing reports are noted as beneficial for managing labor costs effectively across different projects and employees. 

Weaknesses 

• Some independent reviews point out that Gusto's time tracking features may not be specialized as dedicated construction time tracking solutions for very complex hourly workforces or advanced scheduling needs.  
• While it offers HR features, some users with growing teams beyond 50-75 employees have reported outgrowing Gusto's platform and needing more advanced HR functionalities.  
• Gusto is primarily a domestic payroll solution, with more limited international capabilities. 

Pricing 

Gusto offers tiered plans: 

Simple: $40/month + $6/month per person. Includes full-service single-state payroll, basic HR and benefits admin, and employee portal. 

Plus: $80/month + $12/month per person. Includes all Simple features plus multi-state payroll, next-day direct deposit, time tracking, advanced hiring/onboarding, and team management tools. 

Premium: $180/month + $22/month per person. Includes all Plus features plus a dedicated service advisor, access to certified HR experts, performance management, advanced analytics, and priority support. 

Gusto is Best For: 

Gusto is best for small to medium-sized construction companies (up to around 75 employees) that are seeking an easy-to-use, all-in-one platform for payroll, benefits, and basic HR.  

ConstructionPayroll.com 

ConstructionPayroll.com Overview 

Constructionpayroll.com is a specialized payroll software provider designed exclusively for the construction industry. It focuses on simplifying complex payroll processes specific to contractors, including multi-state, multi-rate, union, and prevailing wage calculations. The platform aims to reduce manual data entry, ensure tax compliance, and provide robust reporting for job costing and other critical construction metrics. 

ConstructionPayroll.com - Key Features 

• Construction-specific payroll processing 
• Prevailing wage and certified payroll reporting (including WH-347 automation) 
• Union wage and benefit management 
• Multi-state, multi-rate, and multi-trade wage calculations 
• Integrations with time tracking and accounting software  
• GPS/job-based tax calculations 
• Employee portal (pay stubs, W2s, time entry, documents) 
• Comprehensive construction reports (job cost, workers' compensation, union reports) 

Strengths 

• Independent reviews frequently highlight Constructionpayroll.com's deep specialization in construction payroll as a major strength.  
• Users praise its ability to handle complex requirements like prevailing wages, union rules, and multi-state payroll with ease.  
• Many reviews also emphasize the excellent customer support, noting the team's expertise in construction-specific payroll issues and their responsiveness.  

Weaknesses 

• Potential for a steeper learning curve for users less familiar with construction-specific payroll complexities. 
• Fewer general HR features compared to broader platforms, though it does offer an employee portal. 

Pricing 

Constructionpayroll.com offers customized quotes based on the specific needs of the construction company. 

ConstructionPayroll.com is Best For: 

Constructionpayroll.com is best for contractors dealing with complex payroll scenarios such as prevailing wage projects, union contracts, multi-state workforces, and the need for detailed job costing and certified payroll reporting.  

Access Coins covers the complex payroll requirements of construction and MEP contractors, including employment records, LCP compliance, time capture, pay calculations, payment, and job costing.