How Much Does It Cost for Managed IT Services?
What Are Managed IT Services?
Managed IT services involve outsourcing your company's IT support, infrastructure management, cybersecurity, and other technology needs to a third-party provider—often called a Managed Service Provider (MSP). Instead of hiring a full-time in-house IT team, businesses can partner with an MSP for a flat monthly fee to ensure their systems are secure, stable, and scalable.
Managed IT Services Pricing Models
There are several pricing models in the world of managed IT. Understanding which one a provider uses will help you compare apples to apples:
1. Per Device Pricing
You’re billed based on the number of devices (desktops, laptops, servers, printers, etc.). This is often used for smaller environments and is easy to estimate.
2. Per User Pricing
This is more comprehensive and covers everything a user needs: computer, mobile devices, email, and support. It's ideal for businesses with remote or hybrid teams.
3. Tiered Pricing
Providers offer service bundles (e.g., Basic, Standard, Premium) at set price points. The more you pay, the more services you get.
4. À La Carte Pricing
You choose individual services based on your needs. This gives flexibility but can lead to higher costs if not managed carefully.
So… What’s the Actual Cost?
Most small to midsize businesses can expect managed IT services pricing to fall somewhere in this ballpark:
- Per user: $100–$200 per month
- Per device: $30–$100 per month
- Flat-rate monthly plans: $1,000–$5,000+ per month depending on company size, number of users, and complexity
For a small office with 10 employees, managed IT might cost around $1,500 to $2,500 per month depending on the level of service, security needs, and whether cloud management, backups, and 24/7 support are included.
Larger businesses or those with strict compliance requirements (HIPAA, CMMC, etc.) will likely pay more due to the added security, monitoring, and reporting involved.
What’s Included in the Price?
A reputable MSP typically bundles many essential services into their pricing. This can include:
- Unlimited helpdesk and remote support
- Onsite support when needed
- Proactive monitoring and maintenance
- Patch management and software updates
- Data backup and disaster recovery
- Email security and spam filtering
- Antivirus and endpoint protection
- Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace management
- Firewall and network management
- Quarterly technology reviews and planning
Some providers also include strategic IT consulting to help align your tech with your business goals—something that can easily justify the cost over time.
What’s Not Included: Projects
While your monthly fee covers ongoing support, monitoring, and maintenance, projects are typically not included in standard managed IT services pricing.
Projects are one-time or short-term initiatives that go beyond daily support. Think: migrating to Microsoft 365, replacing your server, setting up a new office, deploying a new line-of-business application, or doing a full network overhaul. These require additional time, planning, and often coordination with vendors or third parties.
A simple rule of thumb: If it requires planning, it's probably a project.
Because the scope and complexity can vary widely, projects are generally billed either per hour or per project at a fixed rate, separate from your monthly support agreement. This allows your MSP to allocate dedicated resources without compromising the day-to-day support your business depends on.
What Affects Managed IT Services Pricing?
Several key factors influence what you'll pay:
- Number of users and devices: More people and more equipment = higher costs.
- Business complexity: Businesses with multiple locations, legacy systems, or compliance requirements may need more support.
- Service hours: Need 24/7 support? That’s typically more expensive than standard business hours coverage.
- Customization: Tailored solutions often cost more than cookie-cutter packages.
- Response time guarantees: Faster guaranteed response times can raise the price.
Why Managed IT is Worth the Investment
If you’re comparing the cost of managed IT to doing nothing or only calling “your IT guy” when something breaks, the managed approach might seem expensive. But when you consider the true cost of downtime, data loss, ransomware, and inefficient systems, it’s often the smarter financial choice.
With managed IT, you're not just paying for support—you’re paying for uptime, security, efficiency, and peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to managed IT services pricing, you get what you pay for. The right MSP will feel like a true extension of your team—not just a vendor. Be sure to evaluate both the cost and the value of what’s included, and don’t be afraid to ask potential providers for a detailed breakdown of their pricing structure.
If you're ready to explore what managed IT could look like for your business, we’d be happy to offer a free assessment and help you build the right package for your needs.