Gusto
Best for small practices & multi‑clinic groups
Overview
Gusto automates payroll for salaried staff, hourly employees, and per-diem contractors. It supports multiple EINs, making it a strong fit for clinics operating across locations. Healthcare organizations can manage health benefits, sync payroll with EHR/EMR tools via integrations, and track time with PTO accruals. With its intuitive interface and transparent pricing, Gusto is well-suited for independent practices, multi-clinic groups, and community healthcare centers that want affordable automation.
Key Features
Automated payroll with Autopilot and job-costing
50-state tax filings with compliance support
Health-benefit administration and integration
Contractor, locum, and 1099 payments
Built-in time tracking with PTO accruals
Multi-EIN and multi-location support
140+ integrations including EHR and accounting
Pros and Cons
Pros
Transparent pricing and easy scalability
Simple, intuitive interface
Strong benefits and compliance tools
Integrations extend healthcare functionality
Cons
Performance management suite only in higher tiers
Limited mobile app features for admins
Pricing
Simple: $49/mo + $6/person/mo
Plus: $80/mo + $12/person/mo (adds time tracking, advanced HR)
Premium: $180/mo + $22/person/mo (includes HR expert support)
Transform your payroll processes with Gusto, a platform that’s already the choice of over 500,000 businesses.
Paylocity
Best for large health systems
Overview
Paylocity combines payroll and HR with tools tailored to hospitals and large medical networks. It manages shift differentials, hazard pay, and credential tracking while providing dashboards for compliance oversight. The built-in learning management system (LMS) supports mandatory training and continuing education. With mobile self-service and real-time workforce analytics, Paylocity helps healthcare organizations manage large, complex teams while staying compliant with labor laws and credential requirements.
Key Features
Automated payroll with shift differential rules
Hazard pay and premium pay setup
Credential and license expiration alerts
Built-in LMS for compliance and training
Mobile employee self-service portal
Real-time labor and payroll analytics
HR, benefits, and scheduling integration
Pros and Cons
Pros
Strong tools for shift and credential management
LMS and training modules included
Mobile-friendly for distributed teams
Deep reporting and analytics capabilities
Cons
Pricing available only by quote
Requires admin training to maximize features
Can feel complex for smaller clinics
Custom quote.
UKG Ready
Best for enterprise hospitals
Overview
UKG (Kronos) Ready is designed for 24/7 healthcare operations, combining continuous payroll with advanced workforce management. It distributes labor costs by unit, automates scheduling, and maintains a library of staff credentials and licenses. Predictive analytics support staffing forecasts, while mobile tools allow nurses and providers to swap shifts securely. With strong compliance and enterprise-scale features, UKG is ideal for hospitals and large systems needing comprehensive payroll, scheduling, and workforce oversight.
Key Features
Continuous payroll processing for round-the-clock operations
Labor distribution reporting by unit or department
Advanced scheduling and shift management
Credential and license management library
Mobile shift swap and notifications
Predictive workforce analytics
Compliance and audit-ready reporting
Pros and Cons
Pros
Built for enterprise hospitals and 24/7 staff
Advanced scheduling and labor controls
Predictive analytics for workforce planning
Strong compliance and credential tracking
Cons
Higher cost than SMB-focused tools
Complex implementation and training
Pricing only by quote
Custom quote.
HR for Health
Best niche dental/medical payroll
Overview
HR for Health is built specifically for medical and dental practices. It combines payroll with compliance reminders like license and CE tracking, overtime alerts, and HR documentation tools. Practices can securely manage e-signatures, store HR files in a document vault, and access a library of job descriptions. With healthcare-specific compliance at its core, HR for Health is a great fit for small to midsize practices that want an industry-tailored payroll solution.
Key Features
Payroll with license and CE tracking
Overtime alerts and compliance notifications
Secure document vault with e-signatures
Library of healthcare job descriptions
PTO and time tracking for staff
HR compliance reminders and alerts
Simple scheduling and reporting
Pros and Cons
Pros
Designed for healthcare and dental practices
Built-in license and CE compliance tools
Streamlined HR and payroll integration
Focused, niche functionality
Cons
Higher cost for smaller practices
Fewer integrations than larger platforms
Limited scalability for multi-hospital systems
Starts ~$325/month for up to 15 staff (publicly posted case study).
Paycor
Best analytics‑driven hospital payroll
Overview
Paycor combines payroll automation with analytics tools that help hospitals and clinics control labor costs. It supports earned-wage access, predictive labor forecasting, and credential alerts to keep staff compliant. Add-on scheduling enables real-time visibility into staffing costs, while dashboards provide executive insights into workforce expenses. With strong reporting and compliance tools, Paycor is best for midsize to large healthcare organizations that want actionable analytics alongside payroll.
Key Features
Earned-wage access for staff
Labor cost forecasting and budgeting tools
Credential and license expiration alerts
Automated payroll with compliance filing
Scheduling add-on for shift visibility
Analytics dashboards with workforce insights
Mobile self-service for employees
Pros and Cons
Pros
Advanced analytics for hospital labor costs
Flexible payroll automation
Credential compliance built in
OnDemand Pay option for employees
Cons
Pricing only by quote
Add-ons raise overall cost
May be complex for smaller practices
Custom quote.
Ceridian Dayforce
Best for compliance-heavy hospital systems
Overview
Ceridian Dayforce is an enterprise-grade payroll and HCM platform designed for highly regulated industries like healthcare. It provides continuous payroll calculations, advanced compliance reporting, and tools for credential and license management. With strong workforce analytics and labor distribution by department, Dayforce is a top choice for hospitals and health systems that need accuracy, visibility, and compliance at scale.
Key Features
Continuous payroll engine for large organizations
Advanced compliance reporting and audit support
Credential and license tracking with alerts
Workforce analytics and labor distribution by unit
Scheduling and timekeeping modules
Benefits and retirement plan integration
Secure mobile self-service portal
Pros and Cons
Pros
Built for compliance-heavy industries
Continuous payroll reduces errors
Strong analytics and workforce insights
Highly scalable for large hospital systems
Cons
Higher cost than mid-market tools
Complex implementation and setup
Best suited for enterprise-level organizations
Custom quote required.
Rippling
Best for tech-forward multi-location practices
Overview
Rippling offers a modern, cloud-based payroll and HR platform that’s ideal for multi-location healthcare practices. It supports multiple EINs, state tax registrations, and seamless contractor management. Rippling also integrates IT and device management, making it easier for practices with hybrid or remote staff. With strong automation and compliance features, it’s a great option for growing clinics and healthcare groups that want a flexible, tech-driven payroll solution.
Key Features
Automated payroll with multi-EIN and multi-state support
Contractor and locum payments with 1099 e-filing
Integrated HR, benefits, and onboarding
Workforce compliance and credential tracking
Device and IT management add-ons
500+ integrations with EHR, accounting, and HR tools
Customizable reporting and analytics
Pros and Cons
Pros
Affordable pricing for small practices
Simple setup and interface
Integrates with QuickBooks easily
Responsive customer support
Cons
Lacks advanced credential management
Limited scalability for larger practices
Fewer built-in HR features
Custom quote required.
Deluxe Payroll
Best budget option for small healthcare offices
Overview
Deluxe Payroll provides affordable, reliable payroll for small medical and dental offices. It automates tax filing, offers direct deposit, and integrates with QuickBooks for simple accounting. While it lacks the advanced scheduling and credential tools of enterprise systems, it’s a strong low-cost option for practices that need compliant payroll and basic HR features without stretching budgets.
Key Features
Automated payroll with tax filings
Direct deposit and check options
Benefits and HR add-ons available
Integration with QuickBooks and accounting software
Secure employee self-service portal
Time and attendance add-on
Dedicated customer support
Pros and Cons
Pros
Affordable pricing for small practices
Simple setup and interface
Integrates with QuickBooks easily
Responsive customer support
Cons
Lacks advanced credential management
Limited scalability for larger practices
Fewer built-in HR features
Custom quote required (typically lower than mid-market platforms).
Compare All
| Pricing | Free Trial | Free Plan | Best Use Case | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Simple $49/mo + $6/user/mo; Plus $80/mo + $12/user/mo; Premium custom pricing | Small practices and multi-clinic groups needing affordable, all-in-one payroll, HR, and benefits | ||
 | Custom pricing | (demo-based) | Large health systems managing shift differentials, credentials, and training | |
 | Custom pricing | Enterprise hospitals needing 24/7 payroll, scheduling, and compliance | ||
 | ~$325/month for up to 15 staff | (demo-based) | Small–midsize medical and dental practices needing healthcare-specific compliance | |
 | Custom pricing | (demo-based) | Midsize to large hospitals wanting payroll with advanced labor analytics | |
 | Custom pricing | Compliance-heavy hospital systems requiring continuous payroll and audit readiness | ||
 | ~$8/user/mo + base fee 35-$40/month + add‑ons | (varies by product) | Tech-forward, multi-location practices needing flexible payroll and HR automation | |
 | Custom pricing | Small healthcare offices needing a budget-friendly, compliant payroll solution |
| Pricing | Free Trial | |
|---|---|---|
| Simple $49/mo + $6/user/mo; Plus $80/mo + $12/user/mo; Premium custom pricing | |
| Custom pricing | (demo-based) |
| Custom pricing | |
| ~$325/month for up to 15 staff | (demo-based) |
| Custom pricing | (demo-based) |
| Custom pricing | |
| ~$8/user/mo + base fee 35-$40/month + add‑ons | (varies by product) |
| Custom pricing |
FAQ
Healthcare payroll has unique rules, from shift differentials to credential compliance. Here are quick answers to the most common questions organizations ask.
Do I need HIPAA-certified payroll?
Payroll systems don’t store patient health information, but integrations with EHR/EMR software must meet HIPAA standards. Choose vendors that offer HIPAA-compliant connections for sensitive data sharing.
Which tools manage differential pay?
Paylocity, UKG Ready, and Paycor include advanced engines for shift differentials, hazard pay, and premium pay rules. They’re best for hospitals and clinics with 24/7 staffing.
Which software is mostly used for payroll?
ADP, Paylocity, and UKG are widely used by large healthcare systems. Smaller practices often choose Gusto or HR for Health for affordability and healthcare-specific compliance tools.
What is the best HR payroll software?
For small healthcare organizations, Gusto provides a strong all-in-one solution. For large hospitals, UKG Ready and Paylocity combine payroll with workforce management and compliance features.
What is HRIS in healthcare?
A healthcare HRIS integrates payroll, scheduling, compliance, and credential management. It tracks licenses, manages shift premiums, and ensures labor rules are followed, keeping hospitals and clinics audit-ready.
What is the best scheduling software for healthcare?
UKG Ready and Paylocity provide enterprise-grade scheduling. Smaller practices may prefer simpler options like Gusto or HR for Health, which include basic scheduling with payroll.
Which is the best free payroll software?
Free payroll options like Wave or Payroll4Free can handle basic needs but lack healthcare-specific features such as shift differentials and credential tracking. Most hospitals and clinics require paid solutions for compliance.
