How PEO Atlas works

What PEO Atlas does

PEO Atlas is a free matching service for small and growing businesses in the United States. We help you find PEO and HR outsourcing providers for payroll, employee benefits, HR compliance, workers’ comp, hiring support, and HR admin.

We are not a PEO, payroll company, insurance broker, law firm, or tax advisor, and we do not do HR work for your business. Our role is simple: learn what you need, connect you with providers that may fit, and help you compare your options clearly.

If you are new to running a US company, this can save time. Instead of sorting through sales pitches on your own, you start with a short request and then review providers that serve your state and business size.

What you tell us

We only ask for basic business and need details so we can make a useful match. That usually means your business name, your contact information, your headcount, your state, and what you want help with.

For example, you might need help with payroll only, or you might want a fuller PEO setup that includes benefits administration, workers’ comp support, onboarding, and HR compliance tools. The more clearly you describe your needs, the easier it is to connect you with the right type of provider.

We do not ask for sensitive payroll or employee records to make a match. You should not need to provide things like employee Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, health records, or a full employee roster just to get started.

How the process works

The process is meant to be simple and low-pressure. You can start at Get matched.

1. You send us your basic business details and what you need help with.
2. We review your request and match you with participating providers that may fit your size, state, and goals.
3. Providers contact you to learn more and explain their services.
4. You compare pricing, service model, contract terms, and support.
5. You choose the provider you want — or choose none.

There is no cost to your business to use PEO Atlas. Participating providers pay a flat fee to be included, but the matching service is always free for the business.

What a PEO is, in plain English

A PEO, or Professional Employer Organization, helps a business handle employer back-office tasks such as payroll processing, tax filing support, benefits administration, HR systems, and certain compliance support. Rules vary by state, and the exact services depend on the provider and contract.

Many business owners worry that using a PEO means giving up control. In a PEO arrangement, the provider becomes a co-employer for payroll, tax, and benefits purposes, but your business still runs the company. You keep control over hiring, firing, pay rates, schedules, job duties, and day-to-day management.

That control point matters. A PEO can help with the employer administration stack, but it does not take over your business.

What it may cost

PEO pricing usually falls into two common models: a per-employee-per-month fee or a percentage of payroll. A rough market range is around $40 to $160 per employee per month, or roughly 2% to 12% of payroll in some cases.

Those numbers are general ranges, not quotes. Your real cost depends on your headcount, payroll size, state, industry, claims profile, and which services you choose. Benefits costs also vary widely by plan design, employee mix, and location.

This is one reason comparison matters. Two offers can look similar at first but include very different fees, support levels, technology, and contract terms.

How to compare providers wisely

Before you sign anything, read the full contract carefully. Focus on the pricing structure, what is included, what costs extra, the contract term, renewal rules, and what happens if you want to leave.

Watch for common red flags: vague bundled fees, long lock-in periods, setup charges that appear late, exit fees, pressure to sign fast, or weak proof of quality. It is reasonable to ask whether a provider is an IRS-Certified PEO or has ESAC accreditation.

A good next step is to review how to choose a PEO and learn more about PEO Atlas. We provide general information only, not HR, tax, insurance, benefits, or legal advice, so for decisions about your business, confirm details with the provider, your accountant, or an attorney.