Quick Overview
- 1#1: Foundation - Comprehensive construction accounting software with integrated payroll, job costing, certified payroll reporting, and compliance features tailored for contractors.
- 2#2: eMars - Cloud-based payroll solution designed specifically for construction companies, handling prevailing wages, union fringes, and Davis-Bacon certified payroll effortlessly.
- 3#3: Sage 100 Contractor - Integrated accounting and job costing software with robust payroll module for construction firms, supporting multi-company payroll and regulatory compliance.
- 4#4: Trimble Viewpoint Vista - Enterprise ERP platform for construction with advanced payroll processing, time tracking by job, and union payroll management.
- 5#5: CMiC - Full-suite construction ERP including payroll with job cost allocation, certified payroll, and global compliance capabilities.
- 6#6: Epicor Construction Ultimate - Construction-focused ERP offering payroll integration with project management, time entry, and fringe benefit tracking.
- 7#7: Paycor - HR and payroll platform with construction-specific tools for certified payroll, job costing, and worker compliance reporting.
- 8#8: QuickBooks Payroll - Popular payroll service enhanced for contractors with job costing, time tracking imports, and basic certified payroll support.
- 9#9: ADP Workforce Now - Scalable payroll and HR solution customizable for construction with time and attendance integration and compliance features.
- 10#10: Paychex Flex - Flexible payroll software with construction industry add-ons for multi-rate pay, job tracking, and regulatory filings.
Tools were selected based on depth of construction-specific capabilities (including certified payroll, prevailing wage tracking, and job costing integration), quality of user experience, robustness of compliance features, and overall value for contractors ranging from small teams to enterprise operations.
Comparison Table
This comparison table outlines key construction payroll software tools—such as Foundation, eMars, Sage 100 Contractor, Trimble Viewpoint Vista, CMiC, and more—to simplify evaluating options for streamlining payroll processes. Readers will gain insights into features, usability, and suitability for diverse construction projects, helping them find software that matches their specific operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Foundation Comprehensive construction accounting software with integrated payroll, job costing, certified payroll reporting, and compliance features tailored for contractors. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | eMars Cloud-based payroll solution designed specifically for construction companies, handling prevailing wages, union fringes, and Davis-Bacon certified payroll effortlessly. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 3 | Sage 100 Contractor Integrated accounting and job costing software with robust payroll module for construction firms, supporting multi-company payroll and regulatory compliance. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 4 | Trimble Viewpoint Vista Enterprise ERP platform for construction with advanced payroll processing, time tracking by job, and union payroll management. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 5 | CMiC Full-suite construction ERP including payroll with job cost allocation, certified payroll, and global compliance capabilities. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Epicor Construction Ultimate Construction-focused ERP offering payroll integration with project management, time entry, and fringe benefit tracking. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 7 | Paycor HR and payroll platform with construction-specific tools for certified payroll, job costing, and worker compliance reporting. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 8 | QuickBooks Payroll Popular payroll service enhanced for contractors with job costing, time tracking imports, and basic certified payroll support. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 9 | ADP Workforce Now Scalable payroll and HR solution customizable for construction with time and attendance integration and compliance features. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 10 | Paychex Flex Flexible payroll software with construction industry add-ons for multi-rate pay, job tracking, and regulatory filings. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
Comprehensive construction accounting software with integrated payroll, job costing, certified payroll reporting, and compliance features tailored for contractors.
Cloud-based payroll solution designed specifically for construction companies, handling prevailing wages, union fringes, and Davis-Bacon certified payroll effortlessly.
Integrated accounting and job costing software with robust payroll module for construction firms, supporting multi-company payroll and regulatory compliance.
Enterprise ERP platform for construction with advanced payroll processing, time tracking by job, and union payroll management.
Full-suite construction ERP including payroll with job cost allocation, certified payroll, and global compliance capabilities.
Construction-focused ERP offering payroll integration with project management, time entry, and fringe benefit tracking.
HR and payroll platform with construction-specific tools for certified payroll, job costing, and worker compliance reporting.
Popular payroll service enhanced for contractors with job costing, time tracking imports, and basic certified payroll support.
Scalable payroll and HR solution customizable for construction with time and attendance integration and compliance features.
Flexible payroll software with construction industry add-ons for multi-rate pay, job tracking, and regulatory filings.
Foundation
specializedComprehensive construction accounting software with integrated payroll, job costing, certified payroll reporting, and compliance features tailored for contractors.
Advanced certified payroll module that automates compliance reporting and integrates labor costs directly into job-level profitability analysis
Foundation by Foundation Software is a robust construction accounting platform with an integrated payroll module tailored for construction companies, handling certified payroll, prevailing wages, union fringes, and multi-state compliance. It seamlessly ties payroll data to job costing for accurate project profitability tracking. Designed for contractors, it offers comprehensive reporting and automation to streamline payroll processing amid complex industry regulations.
Pros
- Specialized construction payroll features like certified payroll reports, union dues, and fringe benefits management
- Deep integration with job costing and general ledger for real-time labor cost visibility
- Excellent compliance tools for multi-state taxes, Davis-Bacon, and prevailing wage requirements
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to its comprehensive, desktop-focused interface
- Primarily Windows-based with limited mobile accessibility
- Custom quote-based pricing can be expensive for smaller firms
Best For
Mid-sized to large construction firms requiring integrated payroll, accounting, and job costing with strong regulatory compliance.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $4,000-$6,000 annually for base modules plus per-user fees, scaling with company size and add-ons.
eMars
specializedCloud-based payroll solution designed specifically for construction companies, handling prevailing wages, union fringes, and Davis-Bacon certified payroll effortlessly.
Advanced certified payroll reporting with automated Davis-Bacon compliance and public works forms generation
eMars is a robust construction management ERP software with specialized payroll capabilities designed for construction companies, handling job-costed payroll, certified payroll reporting, union fringes, and prevailing wage compliance. It integrates payroll data directly with project management, estimating, and accounting for accurate job costing and financial tracking. Ideal for firms dealing with complex labor regulations, it supports multi-state payroll, Davis-Bacon reporting, and automated fringe benefit calculations.
Pros
- Comprehensive construction-specific payroll features like certified payroll and union dues handling
- Seamless integration with job costing and accounting for real-time financial insights
- Strong compliance tools for multi-state and prevailing wage requirements
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to its depth and potentially dated interface
- Pricing is quote-based and can be costly for small firms
- Limited mobile accessibility compared to modern cloud-native competitors
Best For
Mid-sized construction companies requiring integrated payroll with project management and strict regulatory compliance.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $5,000-$15,000 annually depending on modules, users, and hosting (on-premise or cloud).
Sage 100 Contractor
specializedIntegrated accounting and job costing software with robust payroll module for construction firms, supporting multi-company payroll and regulatory compliance.
Automated Certified Payroll Reporting for effortless compliance with public works regulations
Sage 100 Contractor is a robust ERP solution designed specifically for construction firms, offering integrated payroll processing alongside job costing, project management, and accounting. Its payroll module excels in handling industry-specific needs like certified payroll, prevailing wages, union fringes, and Davis-Bacon compliance. It supports multi-state payroll, worker classifications, and seamless data flow to financial reports, making it a powerhouse for mid-sized contractors.
Pros
- Superior handling of certified payroll and union compliance requirements
- Tight integration with job costing and construction accounting
- Supports multi-company and multi-state payroll processing
Cons
- Dated, desktop-heavy interface with steep learning curve
- High implementation and customization costs
- Limited native cloud mobility compared to modern SaaS options
Best For
Mid-sized construction companies requiring comprehensive payroll compliance and integration with job management.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses from $5,000+ per module or cloud subscriptions starting at $150-300/user/month; highly customized based on company size and modules.
Trimble Viewpoint Vista
enterpriseEnterprise ERP platform for construction with advanced payroll processing, time tracking by job, and union payroll management.
Certified Payroll Reporting with automated Davis-Bacon compliance and electronic filing
Trimble Viewpoint Vista is a robust ERP platform tailored for construction companies, featuring a specialized payroll module that excels in managing certified payroll, union reporting, prevailing wages, and multi-state compliance. It integrates seamlessly with job costing, project management, and accounting to provide real-time labor cost tracking and accurate allocations. Ideal for mid-to-large contractors, it automates complex payroll processes while ensuring regulatory adherence in the construction sector.
Pros
- Superior handling of construction-specific payroll needs like certified payroll and union fringes
- Deep integration with job costing and ERP modules for accurate labor tracking
- Strong compliance tools for multi-state and prevailing wage requirements
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface requiring extensive training
- High implementation and customization costs
- Less intuitive for smaller teams without dedicated IT support
Best For
Mid-to-large construction firms needing integrated ERP with advanced, compliance-heavy payroll capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically $50,000+ annually for mid-sized deployments, plus implementation fees.
CMiC
enterpriseFull-suite construction ERP including payroll with job cost allocation, certified payroll, and global compliance capabilities.
Integrated job costing and payroll that links labor hours directly to project financials in real-time
CMiC is an enterprise-grade ERP platform designed specifically for the construction industry, with robust payroll functionality that handles complex requirements like certified payroll, prevailing wages, union fringes, and multi-state compliance. It integrates payroll seamlessly with project management, financials, HR, and job costing for comprehensive visibility across operations. The software supports mobile time entry from job sites and automates reporting to reduce administrative burdens in construction payroll processing.
Pros
- Deep construction-specific features like certified payroll and union reporting
- Full ERP integration for real-time job costing tied to payroll
- Mobile time tracking and compliance automation for field teams
Cons
- Enterprise pricing is high and custom-quoted
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Overkill for small construction firms without full ERP needs
Best For
Mid-to-large construction companies requiring integrated payroll within a full ERP suite for complex projects and compliance.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically subscription-based starting at $50,000+ annually depending on modules and users.
Epicor Construction Ultimate
enterpriseConstruction-focused ERP offering payroll integration with project management, time entry, and fringe benefit tracking.
Automated certified payroll reporting with direct integration to job cost sheets for real-time labor visibility
Epicor Construction Ultimate is an enterprise-grade ERP platform designed specifically for construction firms, featuring integrated payroll management that handles complex requirements like certified payroll, prevailing wages, union dues, and multi-state compliance. It seamlessly connects payroll data to job costing, project accounting, and financial reporting for accurate labor tracking and cost allocation. The software supports both cloud and on-premise deployments, making it suitable for scaling operations in the construction industry.
Pros
- Robust construction-specific payroll features including certified payroll and fringe benefit tracking
- Deep integration with job costing and project management for precise labor allocation
- Strong compliance tools for union rules, prevailing wages, and regulatory reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for non-technical users
- High implementation costs and lengthy setup process
- Premium pricing that may not suit smaller construction companies
Best For
Mid-to-large construction companies requiring fully integrated ERP with advanced payroll tied to project financials.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise pricing, typically starting at $15,000+ annually for base implementations, plus per-user fees and add-ons.
Paycor
enterpriseHR and payroll platform with construction-specific tools for certified payroll, job costing, and worker compliance reporting.
Certified payroll reporting with automated Davis-Bacon and prevailing wage compliance
Paycor is a full-service HCM platform with specialized payroll capabilities for construction companies, handling certified payroll, prevailing wages, job costing, and union dues. It integrates time tracking via mobile app for field workers, ensures multi-state tax compliance, and provides reporting for Davis-Bacon Act requirements. Overall, it streamlines payroll processing while offering HR tools like onboarding and benefits administration tailored to the construction industry's unique needs.
Pros
- Robust construction-specific features like certified payroll reporting and job costing
- Mobile time tracking with GPS for field crews
- Integrated HCM suite for HR, benefits, and compliance
Cons
- Custom pricing lacks upfront transparency
- Steeper learning curve for complex setups
- Mixed customer support experiences
Best For
Mid-sized construction firms needing scalable payroll with strong regulatory compliance and HR integration.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing; typically starts at $99/month base + $5-12 per employee, with add-ons for advanced features.
QuickBooks Payroll
enterprisePopular payroll service enhanced for contractors with job costing, time tracking imports, and basic certified payroll support.
Deep integration with QuickBooks accounting for real-time project-based labor costing and expense tracking
QuickBooks Payroll, offered by Intuit, is a comprehensive payroll solution tightly integrated with QuickBooks accounting software, automating payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and direct deposits for W-2 employees and 1099 contractors. It supports time tracking and job costing, which helps construction companies allocate labor costs to specific projects. While versatile for general small to mid-sized businesses, it provides solid foundational payroll tools but lacks deep specialization for construction-specific needs like certified payroll reports or union fringe benefits.
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks for job costing and time tracking
- Automated federal and state tax filings and payments
- Employee self-service portal and mobile app for payslips
Cons
- Limited built-in support for construction-specific requirements like certified payroll or prevailing wages
- Pricing scales quickly with employee count and advanced features
- Steeper learning curve for users not already on QuickBooks ecosystem
Best For
Small to mid-sized construction companies already using QuickBooks accounting that need integrated, general-purpose payroll without complex union or public works compliance.
Pricing
Core plan starts at $50/month + $6/employee; Premium $80/month + $9/employee; Elite $130/month + $11/employee (full-service tax filing included).
ADP Workforce Now
enterpriseScalable payroll and HR solution customizable for construction with time and attendance integration and compliance features.
Advanced certified payroll reporting with automated e-filing for government contracts
ADP Workforce Now is a comprehensive human capital management (HCM) platform that provides robust payroll processing tailored for construction companies, including certified payroll reporting, job costing, and prevailing wage compliance. It integrates time and attendance tracking with mobile apps for field workers, union dues management, and multi-state payroll support. The software also offers HR tools, benefits administration, and analytics to streamline workforce management in the construction industry.
Pros
- Excellent certified payroll and Davis-Bacon compliance reporting
- Strong job costing and project-level payroll allocation
- Scalable for growing construction firms with mobile time tracking
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex interface for non-experts
- High implementation costs and lengthy setup time
- Pricing can be expensive for smaller construction companies
Best For
Mid-sized to large construction companies needing enterprise-level payroll compliance and integration with HR tools.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically $100-$200 per employee per month plus implementation fees.
Paychex Flex
enterpriseFlexible payroll software with construction industry add-ons for multi-rate pay, job tracking, and regulatory filings.
Automated certified payroll reporting with Davis-Bacon Act compliance and customizable fringe benefit breakdowns
Paychex Flex is a cloud-based payroll and HR platform tailored for small to mid-sized businesses, including construction firms, offering automated payroll processing, time and attendance tracking, and job costing. It supports construction-specific needs like certified payroll reporting for Davis-Bacon compliance, prevailing wage calculations, and multi-state payroll with fringe benefit tracking. The software integrates with accounting tools like QuickBooks and provides mobile apps for employee time entry from job sites.
Pros
- Strong certified payroll and compliance tools for prevailing wages and union reporting
- Geofencing-enabled time tracking ideal for remote construction sites
- 24/7 U.S.-based customer support with dedicated implementation specialists
Cons
- Pricing is quote-based and can be expensive for smaller crews
- Advanced job costing and custom reporting often require add-on modules
- Steeper learning curve for non-HR users managing complex construction payrolls
Best For
Mid-sized construction companies (50-500 employees) needing reliable compliance and integrated HR/payroll without heavy customization.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $80-$150/month base + $4-$6 per employee per pay period, with add-ons for advanced features.
Conclusion
The top tools in construction payroll software, led by Foundation, highlight specialized solutions for contractors. Foundation stands out with its comprehensive integrated features, while eMars excels in prevailing wages and Davis-Bacon compliance, and Sage 100 Contractor offers robust multi-company payroll support. Each top-ranked tool caters to distinct needs, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in a industry with unique regulations.
To optimize your construction payroll operations, begin with Foundation—its tailored capabilities are designed to streamline processes and simplify compliance. For specific needs like union fringes or multi-company management, eMars and Sage 100 Contractor remain excellent alternatives.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison