(650) 332-8623The 8 Best Construction Payroll Software Solutions for 2025
Looking for construction payroll software for your business? We’ve reviewed 8 of the best apps on the market to help you!
Payroll in construction is complicated—multiple job sites, varying wage rates, and ever-changing regulations. But with the right software, you can save time, cuts costs, and keep your business compliant.
To help you find the best construction payroll software solution, we’ve done the heavy lifting and analyzed your top options for ease of use, scalability, integrations, and support for 2025. Let’s dive in!
Top Construction Payroll Software Solutions at a Glance
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|---|---|---|---|
Our score |
1 |
2 |
3 |
Best for |
Widely used payroll software for automated payroll processing and more. |
Easy-to-use payroll software offering specialized solutions. |
Construction-specific accounting and payroll software for unique financial needs. |
Pricing |
Starts at $75 / month + $6 / employee per month |
Quote-based pricing |
Quote-based pricing |
The Bottom Line
Construction businesses depend on payroll to ensure everyone gets paid on time. However, running a payroll can be daunting for anyone. Thankfully, there are construction payroll software options to help businesses simplify and streamline the process.
These software solutions save time, reduce errors, and help businesses stay compliant with government regulations. The list of top-rated construction payroll software above helps you choose the right solution for your small business.
Our Scoring System Explained
Our 8-part scoring system was created to help you understand the potential value of any software we review simply and fairly.
We created it after reviewing dozens of software products, which we covered in depth, but without providing a direct and simple way for readers to compare products on their merits – without spending a lot of time looking through our articles for the information they needed to make an informed decision.
Every app we review will include Customer Support and Company scores, which we’ll explain in more detail below. Many of the factors reviewed in this article will also be consistent across most (or all) of our software reviews, with some differences:
The 8 factors assessed and their contribution to a product’s overall score may differ slightly from product to product based on various factors, such as the use case we’re reviewing for, the type of business these products are tailored to, and other considerations. However, all reviews will feature an 8-part score, weighted and combined to calculate each product’s overall score.
How We Score Software
All factors in our reviews are scored on a 10-point scale – technically 11 points – from 0-10. However, we only give products a score of 0 if it does not include an essential feature at all, and we try to avoid giving out 0 scores if a product can demonstrate any functionality in line with the specific factor being reviewed.
In general, the 0-10 range translates as:
- 9.0 – 10 – One of the absolute best in its category (amazing).
- 7.5 – 8.9 – Very good, but with some minor issues (very good).
- 6.0 – 7.4 – Mediocre performance with notable shortcomings (average).
- 3.0 – 5.9 – This feature is not ready for prime time (borderline).
- 1.0 – 2.9 – This feature actually makes its product worse (unacceptable).
- 0 – The product doesn’t include this important feature at all.
How We Calculate Overall Scores
The 8 factors reviewed are weighted based on an overall total of 100%:
- Ease of Use: 20%
- Time Tracking Accuracy: 20%
- Scheduling Features: 15%
- Job Tracking: 15%
- Integrations: 10%
- Customer Support: 15%
- Company: 5%
Methodology for Each Factor
Ease of Use
We evaluate a product’s ease of use based on three main considerations:
- How easy is it to set up this app?
- How easy is it for managers to use the backend dashboard?
- How easy is it for frontline workers to use the (mobile) app?
These three considerations cover the main ways you and your team would use the software being reviewed – when you first obtain it, when someone (a manager, executive, team leader, or similar role) needs to use it to manage people, money, data, and other things, and when workers you’re tracking use the app (usually a mobile version of the software designed for frontline and/or field team members) to clock in, clock out, record time worked, or address other day-to-day needs.
Time Tracking Accuracy
Every minute matters when you’re trying to control payroll costs. This factor accounts for various features and common needs in time-tracking apps, such as…
- How accurate or precise is its GPS tracking capability?
- How accurate – and how customizable – is its geofencing feature?
- How accurate is its travel and mileage tracking (if available)?
- Can it automatically clock workers in and out based on the above?
- Can you set and/or restrict rules for clocking in and out?
- Can the app continue tracking workers while offline?
- How easy is its mobile app and/or kiosk for frontline workers?
Scheduling Features
Many construction businesses prefer to manage as many aspects of employee labor activity as possible in a single app, which is why many time-tracking apps also include worker scheduling as a core feature.
When we consider a product’s scheduling features, we look at:
- Its dashboard customizability (daily, weekly, or monthly views).
- Its project-based scheduling and visibility.
- Its real-time updates and notifications for workers.
- Its real-time map views of worker locations for best-fit scheduling.
- Its recurring schedule (copies to subsequent weeks, etc.) functionality.
Job Tracking
This factor helps you understand if the software can also provide insight into specific projects, which is particularly handy when your business deals with many customers or clients who generally need shorter-term work. Effective job tracking typically also includes accurate job costing functionality for construction companies.
We assess several things when calculating a product’s job tracking score:
- Its project-based tracking for multiple projects per day/week/etc.
- Its ability to track multiple / many projects simultaneously.
- Its use of (and your ability to customize) construction cost codes.
- Any built-in job costing views.
- Any integrations for cost coding (QuickBooks etc.)
Integrations
No business can operate on a single app, which is why integrations with other apps and tools are such important aspects of modern business software.
To calculate a product’s integration score, we’ll examine:
- How many native integrations (the simplest connection) does it offer?
- How effective and easy-to-use are its integrations with payroll software?
- Does it have robust data import and export features?
Customer Support
Learning how to use a new app can be frustrating, even if it’s meant to be the most user-friendly app around. That’s why great customer support is so essential when considering which time-tracking app to use.
Customer support scores are calculated based on:
- Live support channels available (phone, email, chat, etc.).
- Live support hours (business hours only, 24/7, etc.).
- The strength of the product’s online help center and/or FAQs.
- What other users say about support in online reviews.
Company
A great company with a highly customer-friendly approach can often make up for shortcomings in their software products – at least up to a point.
When assessing this score, we’ll examine:
- Transparency (easy-to-find pricing, etc.)
- Trial period (duration, feature availability, credit card requirements, etc.).
- Subscription flexibility (contracts, required durations, etc.).
- Ease of cancellation or pausing subscriptions.
- Customer perceptions (online product reviews).
- Website (a minor consideration, but great companies tend to have great websites).
Any questions about our scoring system? Have any suggestions on how we could make it even better? Click here to send us your feedback – we’d love to hear from you!Qui
Construction payroll software is designed to simplify and streamline the complex payroll processes in the construction industry. Here’s how it typically works:
- Automation: Construction payroll software automates various tasks such as calculating salaries and taxes, creating paychecks and reports, and handling complex payroll issues like prevailing wage and union fringes.
- Time tracking: Many construction payroll software solutions allow time tracking through manual entry or integration with time-tracking tools. This helps ensure accurate payroll calculations and reduces errors.
- Tax compliance: The software ensures compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations by automatically calculating and filing taxes, including workers’ compensation premiums.
- Multi-state and multi-rate payroll: Construction payroll software can handle payroll for employees working in multiple states or with different pay rates, making it easier to manage complex payroll scenarios.
- Reporting and visibility: The software provides detailed reports and real-time dashboards, giving construction companies visibility into labor costs, payroll, and financial performance.
- Direct deposit and payment options: Many construction payroll software solutions offer direct deposit and other payment options, such as same-day or next-day deposits, to ensure timely and convenient employee payment.
When evaluating construction payroll software, look for the following key features:
- Certified payroll reporting – It should support prevailing wage and union reporting, allowing you to generate documentation for various reporting agencies easily.
- Job costing integration –The software should integrate seamlessly with project management and accounting functions, enabling you to allocate labor costs accurately to specific jobs and compile labor data for creating accurate estimates.
- Multi-state and multi-rate payroll – It should be able to handle payroll for employees working in multiple states or with different pay rates, making it easier to manage complex payroll scenarios.
- Deduction management aligned with union benefits – The software should offer accurate deduction tracking and customizable deduction categories to tailor the benefits you pay your team.
- Data security and compliance – It should have robust security measures to protect sensitive payroll information and enable compliance with data privacy regulations.
- User-friendly interface – Look for software with an easy-to-understand interface that allows your administrative staff to complete payroll processing without difficulty.
- Custom reporting for union reporting needs –Flexible payroll software should allow multiple user-defined deductions and create and export custom reports that meet various Collective Bargaining Agreement requirements.
- Time tracking and scheduling – The software should offer time tracking capabilities through manual entry or integration with time-tracking tools to ensure accurate payroll calculations.
The best construction payroll software for small businesses depends on specific needs and requirements. However, some top-performing options include:
- Gusto – An affordable and user-friendly solution that offers features such as managing multiple pay rates, tracking contractor payments, and detailed reporting. It’s suitable for small construction businesses that need to pay contractors and remote employees.
- QuickBooks Payroll – A popular choice among small and large businesses alike. It offers advanced features like managing multiple pay rates, timesheet approval, and detailed project labor cost tracking. Due to its construction-specific tools and compliance assistance, it is beneficial for construction companies.
- ADP Payroll – A comprehensive solution that provides tools for managing union wages and benefits, flexible payment options, and employee self-service portals. It suits small construction businesses that navigate complex payroll and HR requirements.
- Rippling – Offers a range of features, including time tracking, direct deposit, and detailed reporting. It’s known for its ease of use and flexibility in managing payroll for employees and contractors.
- eBacon – Excel is easy to use and offers automated payroll processing, compliance management, and detailed reporting features. It’s suitable for small construction businesses prioritizing simplicity and accuracy in their payroll processes.
Construction payroll software pricing varies on the provider and specific features and services. Here are some examples of pricing for different construction payroll software options:
- Gusto: Starting at $40/month plus $6/month per person for employees and contractors.
- QuickBooks Payroll: Payroll Core starts at $22.50/month + $6/employee/month, Payroll Premium starts at $40/month + $8/employee/month, and Payroll Elite starts at $62.50/month + $10/employee/month.
- ADP Payroll: Custom pricing is available, with options for different packages and services.
- Paychex: Plans start at $39 + $5 per employee per month, with more detailed pricing available through their online quote generator.
- eBacon: Pricing based on a quote received, including union and prevailing wage calculations for 25 people.
- Rippling: Pricing is based on a quote received, with detailed information on their website.
- Payroll4Construction: Pricing is based on a quote received, with detailed information on their website.
- ConstructionPayroll.com: Pricing is based on a quote received, with detailed information on their website.
An employment bond, often referred to as a work bond or service agreement, is a contractual arrangement between an employer and an employee that goes beyond the typical terms of an employment contract. This legally binding document outlines specific conditions and commitments that both parties agree to during the course of employment.
In practice, bonds usually set a fixed service period and may require repayment of employer-covered costs (e.g., training, relocation) if the employee leaves early. Employers use bonds to protect their investment and promote retention, since potential paybacks discourage premature exits.
Terms vary by company and jurisdiction, so review the agreement before signing and understand any financial obligations tied to early termination; violating a bond can trigger agreed damages or other remedies.
To calculate Davis-Bacon wages, contractors must follow prevailing wage requirements set by the U.S. Department of Labor for federally funded projects. Key steps include:
- Identify job classifications: Match workers (e.g., laborers, electricians) to correct categories.
- Check prevailing rates: Use DOL wage determinations for your project’s location.
- Add fringe benefits: Include health, retirement, or vacation pay.
- Calculate pay: Multiply wage rate by hours worked.
- Apply overtime: Pay 1.5× for extra hours.
- Verify compliance: Review calculations against contract and labor standards.
Contract labor on Schedule C refers to payments made to independent contractors or subcontractors, not employees, for work done on behalf of a business. These costs are deductible business expenses.
- Definition: Independent contractors hired for projects or tasks.
- Reporting: Entered under Contract Labor on Schedule C.
- Tax forms: Issue a 1099-NEC (or 1099-MISC before 2020) if payments exceed $600.
- Deductions: Reduces taxable income as a business expense.
- Difference from wages: Contractors get a 1099; employees receive a W-2.