Outsourced HR for small employers

Owners of small and mid-sized businesses such as restaurants, contractors, medical and dental offices, nonprofits and local retailers with roughly 5 to 100 employees.

A monthly retainer for a set number of hours or an agreed scope, plus fixed-fee projects such as writing a handbook or setting up onboarding.

• Working knowledge of employment practices
• Clear writing and communication
• Tact when handling sensitive staff issues
• Organized record keeping

• Employment law differs by state and sometimes city (leave, wage rules, final pay), so check each client's state requirements
• Professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance, plus general liability, is worth pricing
• Give practical guidance, not legal advice: have clients use an employment attorney for serious disputes or claims
• Check whether your state or city requires a business license, and any home occupation rules or HOA/lease limits
• Relying on one or two big clients is risky, so keep finding new ones

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $500 to $4,000, depending on your software, insurance and marketing spend. Professional liability insurance, plus general liability, is worth pricing as part of your budget.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on how many clients you keep and the hours you work. Relying on one or two big clients is risky, so keep finding new ones.

Employment law differs by state and sometimes city, so check each client's state requirements. Give practical guidance rather than legal advice, and check whether your state or city requires a business license or has home occupation rules.