Best Payroll Services for Construction (2026)
The best payroll services for construction companies and trade contractors are ADP, Paychex and QuickBooks Payroll, based on support for certified payroll for prevailing-wage and davis-bacon jobs and job costing and labor allocation by project. Expect $44 to $130 per month for 1 to 10 employees at entry-tier list prices as of November 2026; industry-specific features may require a higher tier.
Prices verified November 2026
What makes payroll harder for construction companies and trade contractors
- Certified payroll for prevailing-wage and Davis-Bacon jobs
- Job costing and labor allocation by project
- Multi-state and multi-locality crews
- Union dues and fringe benefits
- 1099 subcontractors alongside W-2 crews
What to look for
Certified payroll (WH-347) reports are the make-or-break feature. ADP and Paychex both produce them; QuickBooks Payroll does job costing well for QuickBooks users. Workers' comp pay-as-you-go matters for cash flow.
Our picks for construction companies and trade contractors
ADP
Businesses that expect to grow past 50 employees, need benefits and retirement plans from one vendor, or want the most recognized brand when talking to lenders and accountants.
Paychex
Owners who want a named human to call, businesses considering a PEO later, and anyone bundling payroll with workers' comp or retirement.
QuickBooks Payroll
Businesses already on QuickBooks Online who want payroll to post to the ledger automatically.
Want providers that know construction companies and trade contractors to quote you? Providers quote below list for the right customer. Tell us your headcount and up to 4 of them compete. Free, about a minute.
Get my quotesGet payroll quotes built for construction companies and trade contractors
Tell us your headcount and we send it to the providers that handle construction companies and trade contractors well. They compete; you choose.
- Free, no obligation
- About a minute
- Up to 4 providers, you pick which
- Prices verified November 2026
Other industries
- Restaurants
- Construction
- Retail
- Medical & Dental Practices
- Nonprofits
- Churches & Ministries
- Salons & Spas
- Trucking & Logistics
- Law Firms
- Startups
- Cleaning & Landscaping
- Franchises
Frequently asked questions
What is the best payroll software for construction companies and trade contractors?
ADP is our first pick for construction companies and trade contractors because of certified payroll (wh-347) reports are the make-or-break feature. Paychex and QuickBooks Payroll are strong alternatives.
How much does payroll cost for construction companies and trade contractors?
Entry-tier list prices range from $44 to $130 per month for 1 to 10 employees as of November 2026. Construction-specific needs such as certified payroll for prevailing-wage and davis-bacon jobs may require an add-on or a higher tier.
Which payroll providers handle certified payroll for prevailing-wage and davis-bacon jobs?
ADP, Paychex, QuickBooks Payroll all support it. Ask any provider to walk you through exactly how before signing.