Learn · Guide 03
MSP Pricing Guide: How Much Do Managed IT Services Cost?
Understanding how MSPs price their services is critical before you sign any contract. This guide breaks down every pricing model, what’s typically included, what’s often excluded, and what you should expect to pay based on your company size.
The 3 Main MSP Pricing Models
1. Per-User Pricing (Most Common)
You pay a flat monthly fee for each employee (user) covered under the agreement. This is the simplest model for most businesses because it scales directly with your headcount.
Typical range: $100–$250 per user per month for fully managed services.
2. Per-Device Pricing
You pay per endpoint (desktops, laptops, servers, etc.) rather than per user. This can be advantageous for businesses with a high device-to-user ratio.
Typical range:
- Workstation (desktop/laptop): $30–$75/month
- Server: $150–$300/month
- Network devices: $20–$50/month
3. Flat-Rate / All-Inclusive Pricing
A single monthly fee covers everything for your entire organization. Best for businesses that want maximum budget predictability. Common for small businesses with 10–50 users.
Typical range: $1,500–$10,000+/month depending on size and scope.
MSP Pricing by Company Size
| Company Size | Monthly Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1–9 users | $500–$2,000/mo | Basic monitoring + helpdesk |
| 10–49 users | $1,500–$6,000/mo | Full managed services |
| 50–149 users | $5,000–$18,000/mo | Full managed + cybersecurity |
| 150–499 users | $15,000–$50,000/mo | Enterprise-grade support |
| 500+ users | Custom pricing | Often co-managed model |
What’s Typically Included
- 24/7 network and endpoint monitoring
- Remote help desk support (business hours or 24/7)
- Patch management and updates
- Antivirus / EDR
- Email security
- Backup management
- Monthly reporting and QBRs
What’s Often Excluded (Watch for These)
- On-site visits (may be billed at $125–$250/hour)
- Hardware procurement and installation
- Software licensing costs
- Major projects (migrations, new deployments)
- After-hours support (unless on premium plan)
- Compliance-specific services (HIPAA audits, etc.)
Is It Worth It?
Compare the cost of a fully managed MSP against what you’d spend on a single IT employee: salary ($60,000–$90,000/year), benefits (20–30% on top), training, and coverage gaps for nights/weekends/vacations. For most businesses under 100 employees, an MSP delivers significantly more value at a lower total cost.