Best payroll for restaurants

Restaurant payroll is tricky: hourly staff, overtime and tips all need handling correctly. Here is the one tool we would start with, and the alternatives worth comparing. Updated 2026-10-14.

Our top pick: Gusto

Because it runs payroll with automatic tax filings, handles tips and hourly staff and has clear pricing for small teams.

Our top pick

Gusto

Payroll, benefits, and HR platform for small businesses.

Price: From $49/mo + $6/mo per person · Free option: No free plan; free account setup

Visit Gusto

Alternatives worth a look

ADP RUN

RUN Powered by ADP: payroll and HR for small businesses.

Price: Quote-based ("Get Pricing") · Free option: 3 months payroll free promo (terms apply)

Visit ADP RUN

Homebase

Scheduling, time clock, payroll, and hiring for hourly teams.

Price: From $30 (paid plans) · Free option: Free plan ($0); 14-day trial

Visit Homebase

Paychex

Paychex has HR and Payroll solutions to fit the needs of any size business. Let Paychex help you take your business where it needs to go.

Price: See pricing page (paid plans) · Free option: No free plan

Visit Paychex

Side by side

Tool	Price	Free option
Gusto (top pick)	From $49/mo + $6/mo per person	No free plan; free account setup
ADP RUN	Quote-based ("Get Pricing")	3 months payroll free promo (terms apply)
Homebase	From $30 (paid plans)	Free plan ($0); 14-day trial
Paychex	See pricing page (paid plans)	No free plan

What restaurants should check before choosing

Does it handle tips correctly?
Does it file payroll taxes automatically?
Does it connect to your scheduling or time clock?

A common mistake

Calculating tips by hand in a spreadsheet each pay period.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best payroll for restaurants?

Our top pick is Gusto. Because it runs payroll with automatic tax filings, handles tips and hourly staff and has clear pricing for small teams.

How much does Gusto cost?

Gusto: From $49/mo + $6/mo per person. Free option: No free plan; free account setup. Checked 2026-10-13; confirm on the vendor's site.

What should restaurants look for in a payroll?

Does it handle tips correctly? Does it file payroll taxes automatically? Does it connect to your scheduling or time clock?

Are these rankings paid?

No. Picks are ranked by fit for the job. Sponsored placements are always labeled "Sponsored" and never change the order of our picks.