Quick Overview
- 1#1: UKG Pro - Provides integrated workforce management, scheduling, timekeeping, and payroll tailored for complex hotel operations with tip handling and compliance.
- 2#2: Fourth - Offers hospitality-focused labor management, scheduling, and payroll integration with real-time sales data for accurate hotel staff costing.
- 3#3: ADP Workforce Now - Delivers scalable payroll processing with hospitality modules for tip reporting, multi-location support, and overtime management in hotels.
- 4#4: Paychex Flex - Manages hotel payroll, benefits administration, and compliance with features for shift workers and seasonal staffing.
- 5#5: Workday HCM - Enterprise HCM platform with advanced payroll, analytics, and talent management for large hotel chains.
- 6#6: Oracle HCM Cloud - Cloud-based HCM solution supporting global payroll, workforce planning, and integrations for hospitality enterprises.
- 7#7: Paycom - Single-database payroll and HR system with labor forecasting and budgeting tools optimized for hotel cost control.
- 8#8: Paylocity - Modern payroll platform with employee self-service, time tracking, and mobile access for hotel teams.
- 9#9: Rippling - All-in-one HR, payroll, and IT platform facilitating quick onboarding and payroll for hotel's variable workforce.
- 10#10: Gusto - Simple, affordable payroll software with time tracking and benefits for small to mid-sized hotels.
These tools were selected based on their ability to deliver hospitality-specific features—including labor forecasting, sales integration, and overtime management—paired with strong usability, reliability, and value for hoteliers of every scale.
Comparison Table
Managing hotel payroll demands handling shift schedules, tip calculations, and compliance, making the right software crucial. This comparison table details top tools like UKG Pro, Fourth, ADP Workforce Now, Paychex Flex, Workday HCM, and more to help readers assess features, integration, and suitability for their specific operations.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UKG Pro Provides integrated workforce management, scheduling, timekeeping, and payroll tailored for complex hotel operations with tip handling and compliance. | enterprise | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | Fourth Offers hospitality-focused labor management, scheduling, and payroll integration with real-time sales data for accurate hotel staff costing. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | ADP Workforce Now Delivers scalable payroll processing with hospitality modules for tip reporting, multi-location support, and overtime management in hotels. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Paychex Flex Manages hotel payroll, benefits administration, and compliance with features for shift workers and seasonal staffing. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Workday HCM Enterprise HCM platform with advanced payroll, analytics, and talent management for large hotel chains. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.0/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 6 | Oracle HCM Cloud Cloud-based HCM solution supporting global payroll, workforce planning, and integrations for hospitality enterprises. | enterprise | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 6.2/10 | 6.9/10 |
| 7 | Paycom Single-database payroll and HR system with labor forecasting and budgeting tools optimized for hotel cost control. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 8 | Paylocity Modern payroll platform with employee self-service, time tracking, and mobile access for hotel teams. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 9 | Rippling All-in-one HR, payroll, and IT platform facilitating quick onboarding and payroll for hotel's variable workforce. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | Gusto Simple, affordable payroll software with time tracking and benefits for small to mid-sized hotels. | other | 7.5/10 | 7.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 |
Provides integrated workforce management, scheduling, timekeeping, and payroll tailored for complex hotel operations with tip handling and compliance.
Offers hospitality-focused labor management, scheduling, and payroll integration with real-time sales data for accurate hotel staff costing.
Delivers scalable payroll processing with hospitality modules for tip reporting, multi-location support, and overtime management in hotels.
Manages hotel payroll, benefits administration, and compliance with features for shift workers and seasonal staffing.
Enterprise HCM platform with advanced payroll, analytics, and talent management for large hotel chains.
Cloud-based HCM solution supporting global payroll, workforce planning, and integrations for hospitality enterprises.
Single-database payroll and HR system with labor forecasting and budgeting tools optimized for hotel cost control.
Modern payroll platform with employee self-service, time tracking, and mobile access for hotel teams.
All-in-one HR, payroll, and IT platform facilitating quick onboarding and payroll for hotel's variable workforce.
Simple, affordable payroll software with time tracking and benefits for small to mid-sized hotels.
UKG Pro
enterpriseProvides integrated workforce management, scheduling, timekeeping, and payroll tailored for complex hotel operations with tip handling and compliance.
Hospitality-optimized payroll engine that automates gratuity distribution, tip reporting, and variable shift calculations with IRS-compliant accuracy
UKG Pro is a leading enterprise-grade HCM platform with robust payroll capabilities tailored for the hotel industry, handling complex scenarios like tipped wages, gratuities, overtime, shift differentials, and multi-state compliance. It integrates advanced time and attendance tracking, intelligent scheduling, and labor forecasting to optimize workforce management in dynamic hotel environments. The solution supports multi-property operations, ensuring accurate payroll processing across chains while providing real-time analytics for cost control.
Pros
- Exceptional handling of hospitality-specific payroll elements like tips, splits, and union rules
- AI-powered scheduling and time tracking reduce labor costs and no-shows
- Scalable for multi-location hotel chains with strong compliance and reporting
Cons
- High implementation costs and timeline for full deployment
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Premium pricing may not suit small independent hotels
Best For
Large hotel chains and multi-property groups needing comprehensive, scalable payroll and workforce management.
Pricing
Quote-based; typically $15-30+ per employee/month for core HCM/payroll, with add-ons for advanced modules.
Fourth
specializedOffers hospitality-focused labor management, scheduling, and payroll integration with real-time sales data for accurate hotel staff costing.
Integrated labor forecasting engine that predicts staffing needs based on sales data and events, automatically optimizing payroll costs
Fourth (fourth.com) is a comprehensive workforce management platform tailored for the hospitality industry, offering advanced payroll software specifically designed for hotels. It integrates payroll processing with scheduling, time and attendance tracking, labor forecasting, and compliance tools to streamline operations and reduce costs. The solution handles complex hospitality-specific needs like tip management, multi-property payroll, and event-based staffing, making it ideal for large-scale hotel groups.
Pros
- Deep integration with hospitality systems like POS and PMS for seamless payroll data flow
- Advanced labor forecasting and optimization tied directly to payroll calculations
- Robust compliance features for tipped wages, union rules, and multi-state payroll
Cons
- Steep learning curve for initial setup and training in smaller teams
- Custom pricing can be expensive for single-property or small hotels
- Limited flexibility for highly customized reporting without add-ons
Best For
Large hotel chains and multi-property operators seeking an all-in-one workforce management solution with strong payroll integration.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $6-12 per employee/month for core payroll, plus modules; contact for quote.
ADP Workforce Now
enterpriseDelivers scalable payroll processing with hospitality modules for tip reporting, multi-location support, and overtime management in hotels.
Advanced tipped wage pooling, allocation, and IRS-compliant reporting tailored for hospitality
ADP Workforce Now is a robust human capital management (HCM) platform providing comprehensive payroll processing, HR management, time and attendance tracking, and benefits administration. Tailored for mid-to-large enterprises, it excels in handling hotel-specific payroll complexities like tipped wages, shift differentials, overtime calculations, and multi-location compliance. The software integrates seamlessly with scheduling tools and offers mobile access for employees, making it suitable for dynamic hospitality environments with seasonal and hourly staff.
Pros
- Handles complex tipped employee payroll and hospitality-specific calculations accurately
- Scalable for multi-property hotel chains with strong multi-state tax compliance
- Integrated time tracking and scheduling reduce manual errors in shift-based operations
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex initial setup for non-technical users
- High cost structure may not suit small independent hotels
- Custom pricing lacks transparency and can escalate with add-ons
Best For
Mid-sized to large hotel chains or groups needing enterprise-level payroll with hospitality compliance and scalability.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing starting around $100-200/month base + $4-12 per employee/month, depending on modules and employee count.
Paychex Flex
enterpriseManages hotel payroll, benefits administration, and compliance with features for shift workers and seasonal staffing.
Seamless tipped wage tracking and allocation with direct deposit splits for hospitality staff
Paychex Flex is a comprehensive cloud-based payroll and HCM platform that streamlines payroll processing, tax compliance, benefits management, and time tracking for businesses. Tailored for industries like hospitality, it supports tipped wage calculations, shift-based scheduling, and multi-location payroll across states. It integrates HR tools for onboarding, performance management, and employee self-service, making it suitable for hotel operations with variable staffing needs.
Pros
- Robust support for tipped employees and overtime calculations critical for hotels
- Automated tax filing and compliance across multiple jurisdictions
- Integrated time and attendance with mobile app for shift workers
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small independent hotels
- Initial setup and implementation may take longer than simpler tools
- Less specialized hospitality features like banquet tracking compared to niche competitors
Best For
Mid-sized hotel chains or multi-property groups needing scalable payroll integrated with HR and compliance tools.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically starting at $80+/month base plus $4-6 per employee/pay period; higher tiers include advanced HCM features.
Workday HCM
enterpriseEnterprise HCM platform with advanced payroll, analytics, and talent management for large hotel chains.
Unified data platform enabling real-time payroll analytics and AI-driven workforce forecasting across global hotel properties
Workday HCM is a comprehensive cloud-based Human Capital Management platform that includes robust payroll processing capabilities tailored for enterprise-scale operations, making it suitable for hotel chains managing complex payroll across multiple properties. It automates wage calculations, handles tips and gratuities through configurable rules, ensures compliance with labor regulations, and integrates with time-tracking systems for shift-based hospitality workforces. While not exclusively designed for hotels, its scalability supports seasonal staffing, union rules, and multi-location payroll.
Pros
- Enterprise-grade scalability for large hotel chains with multiple locations
- Advanced analytics and real-time reporting for payroll insights
- Deep integration with HR, benefits, and financial systems
Cons
- High implementation costs and complexity for custom hotel-specific configurations like tips and shifts
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Premium pricing not ideal for small or independent hotels
Best For
Large hotel groups or chains needing integrated HCM and payroll for complex, multi-site operations.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription pricing, typically $150-$300 per employee per month plus implementation fees.
Oracle HCM Cloud
enterpriseCloud-based HCM solution supporting global payroll, workforce planning, and integrations for hospitality enterprises.
Global Payroll Compliance Engine supporting localized rules for tipped and hourly hospitality pay across 70+ countries
Oracle HCM Cloud is an enterprise-grade human capital management platform with comprehensive payroll functionality, adaptable for hotel operations through support for tipped wages, shift differentials, overtime, and multi-location payroll processing. It integrates HR, time tracking, and analytics to manage seasonal and hourly hotel staff efficiently. While powerful for large-scale deployments, it requires significant customization to fully address hospitality-specific needs like union rules and gratuity allocations.
Pros
- Robust compliance tools for multi-state and international hotel payroll regulations
- Scalable for large chains with advanced analytics and reporting
- Strong integration with time-tracking and scheduling for shift-based hotel workforces
Cons
- Complex implementation and steep learning curve not ideal for small hotels
- High costs make it less viable for independent or boutique properties
- Customization needed for niche hotel features like tip pooling and seasonal hiring
Best For
Enterprise-level hotel chains and multinational hospitality groups requiring integrated HR and payroll for thousands of employees.
Pricing
Custom enterprise subscription starting at $15-30 per employee/month, plus hefty implementation fees often exceeding $100K.
Paycom
enterpriseSingle-database payroll and HR system with labor forecasting and budgeting tools optimized for hotel cost control.
Beti employee-driven payroll app for real-time time entry, previews, and corrections without HR intervention
Paycom is a comprehensive human capital management (HCM) platform that provides robust payroll processing, time and attendance tracking, scheduling, and employee self-service tools, making it adaptable for hotel operations with shift-based staffing. It automates payroll calculations including overtime, tips, and deductions, while integrating HR functions like onboarding and performance management. Though not exclusively designed for hospitality, its scalability supports multi-location hotels effectively.
Pros
- All-in-one HCM suite reduces need for multiple vendors
- Strong mobile app (Beti) for employee time entry and pay previews
- Advanced scheduling and forecasting tools suit variable hotel shifts
Cons
- High cost may overwhelm small or independent hotels
- Steep learning curve for non-HR staff
- Lacks deep hospitality-specific integrations like POS for tip pooling
Best For
Mid-sized to large hotel chains seeking an integrated HCM solution beyond basic payroll.
Pricing
Quote-based pricing, typically $25-$50+ per employee/month depending on modules and volume.
Paylocity
enterpriseModern payroll platform with employee self-service, time tracking, and mobile access for hotel teams.
Advanced tip management with automated IRS-compliant reporting and equitable distribution
Paylocity is a comprehensive cloud-based payroll and HR management platform that supports hotel operations through robust payroll processing, including tip reporting, shift differentials, and overtime calculations for tipped and hourly staff. It integrates time and attendance tracking with geofencing and mobile clock-ins, ideal for shift-based hotel environments, while offering scheduling tools to manage variable workforce needs. The platform also provides compliance features for hospitality regulations and employee self-service portals to reduce administrative burdens.
Pros
- Strong tip pooling, reporting, and allocation for hospitality staff
- Mobile-first time tracking with geofencing suitable for hotel shifts
- Integrated HR tools including onboarding and compliance reporting
Cons
- Not specialized for hotels, lacking deep integrations with POS or property management systems
- Complex interface with a steeper learning curve for smaller teams
- Custom quote-based pricing can be expensive for small properties
Best For
Mid-sized hotels and resorts needing scalable, all-in-one payroll and HR with strong mobile employee access.
Pricing
Custom quote-based; typically $15-25 per employee/month plus base fees for payroll and HR modules.
Rippling
enterpriseAll-in-one HR, payroll, and IT platform facilitating quick onboarding and payroll for hotel's variable workforce.
Unified policy automation that instantly applies payroll rules across devices, HR, and benefits for tipped and hourly hotel staff
Rippling is an all-in-one workforce management platform that unifies HR, payroll, IT, and benefits administration. For hotel payroll, it automates processing for hourly, tipped, and shift-based employees across multiple locations, ensuring compliance with state-specific overtime and wage laws. It integrates time tracking, onboarding, and global payroll capabilities, streamlining operations for hospitality businesses.
Pros
- Robust multi-location payroll with automatic tax compliance and tip handling
- Seamless integration with HR tools for employee onboarding and scheduling
- Policy engine automates complex rules like overtime for shift workers
Cons
- Pricing can escalate quickly with add-ons for smaller hotels
- Not hospitality-specific, lacking deep integrations with hotel PMS systems
- Initial setup requires significant configuration for optimal use
Best For
Mid-to-large hotel chains managing multi-state operations and needing integrated HR-payroll functionality.
Pricing
Core HR starts at $8/user/month; payroll add-on ~$5-10/user/month, billed annually with custom enterprise quotes.
Gusto
otherSimple, affordable payroll software with time tracking and benefits for small to mid-sized hotels.
Seamless handling of tips, gratuities, and contractor payments tailored for service industry workers
Gusto is a cloud-based payroll and HR platform designed for small to medium-sized businesses, automating payroll processing, tax filings, benefits administration, and compliance. For hotel payroll, it effectively handles hourly wages, overtime, tips, shift differentials, and multi-state employees through integrations with time-tracking tools like 7shifts or Deputy. However, it lacks built-in scheduling or advanced hospitality-specific features like tip pooling automation or union compliance tools. It's a solid generalist option but not optimized for complex hotel operations.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick setup for non-experts
- Automatic tax calculations and filings reduce compliance risks
- Strong integrations with hospitality time-tracking apps like 7shifts
Cons
- No native scheduling or time clock features
- Limited built-in support for complex tip reporting or pooling
- Pricing can add up for hotels with high employee turnover
Best For
Small to mid-sized hotels with straightforward payroll needs and existing scheduling tools.
Pricing
Starts at $40/month + $6/employee for Simple plan; Plus at $80/month + $12/employee; Premium is custom quote.
Conclusion
Evaluating these tools reveals UKG Pro as the top choice, offering integrated workforce management, specialized tip handling, and compliance for complex hotel operations. Fourth stands out with hospitality-focused labor management and real-time sales integration for accurate staff costing, while ADP Workforce Now excels in scalability, multi-location support, and overtime management—each providing distinct value for different hotel needs. Selecting from these top options ensures efficient, tailored solutions to manage labor effectively.
Maximize your hotel's payroll efficiency by trying UKG Pro, the leading tool for seamless, operation-specific workforce management. Explore its features to enhance productivity and focus on delivering exceptional service to your guests.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison