Best Payroll Software for Self-Employed Tradesmen: Pay Yourself & Subcontractors
As a self-employed roofer, plumber, or tile installer, managing your finances means more than just sending invoices. Paying yourself reliably and handling subcontractors correctly prevents tax headaches and keeps your business running smooth. This guide cuts through the noise, comparing Gusto, Rippling, Deel, and Remote so you pick the best payroll software for your solo trade business.
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The quick answer for tradesmen
For most self-employed tradespeople, Gusto is the clearest choice. It simplifies paying yourself and managing 1099 payments to any US-based subcontractors you bring on for a big roofing job or a complex plumbing install. Rippling offers more features than a solo operation typically needs, focused on growing teams with many W-2 employees. Deel and Remote are for hiring outside the US, which almost never applies to a first-time self-employed roofer or electrician.
Side-by-side breakdown for solo trades
Gusto is built for US small businesses, especially those handling 1099 contractors and owner payments. It makes sending 1099-NEC forms to your helper simple and can handle paying yourself an S-Corp salary or owner's draw. It also takes care of new hire paperwork if you bring on your first W-2 apprentice later. Pricing starts around $40/month plus $6/person per month. For just paying yourself and a few 1099s, it’s cost-effective. It does not support international payments.
Rippling is a full HR platform that manages everything from payroll to giving out laptops and setting up software accounts. While powerful for a larger construction company with dozens of W-2 employees and an office, it's typically far too much for a solo roofer or plumber. You pay per person, starting around $8/person/month, but modules are priced separately, quickly making it expensive for features you won't use.
Deel is for hiring globally, whether you're paying a contractor in Mexico or a full-time employee in the UK. This is usually not relevant for a self-employed flooring installer or drywall specialist focused on local jobs. Contractor plans can start free for small teams, but full international employment (Employer of Record) starts around $599/month per employee.
Remote is like Deel, also focused on global hiring. It helps you pay international contractors or full-time staff without needing to set up foreign entities. Again, this is not a tool a solo electrician or tile setter will need for their daily operations. EOR services also start around $599/month per employee, making it expensive and unnecessary for a US-based solo trade business.
When to choose Gusto for your trade business
Choose Gusto when you need to pay yourself as a solo electrician or plumber, whether that's taking a simple owner's draw or setting up a regular S-Corp salary. It’s also perfect for managing payments and 1099 forms for any US-based subcontractors you hire for bigger jobs—like that specialized tile setter you bring in, or a helper for a large-scale roofing project. Gusto’s setup is straightforward, letting you focus on your trade, not paperwork. If all your business operations and any helpers are within the US, Gusto is usually the answer for hassle-free payments and tax forms.
When to choose Rippling for your trade business
Rippling is generally too much for a self-employed roofer or flooring installer. You'd only consider Rippling if your trade business somehow grew into a large operation with many full-time W-2 employees (say, 10 or more) and an office full of administrative staff, where you're managing company laptops, software licenses, and complex benefits. For a solo tradesperson simply trying to pay themselves and a few subcontractors, Rippling adds unnecessary cost and complexity you don't need.
When to choose Deel or Remote for your trade business
Deel or Remote are for when you need to hire someone who lives outside the US. This scenario is extremely rare for a self-employed plumber, roofer, or drywaller working on local projects. You would almost certainly never need these services unless, for some unique reason, you were hiring a skilled craftsperson from another country to assist with a highly specialized remote design project or a niche import. For everyday trade work, these platforms are not relevant.
The verdict for solo tradesmen
For a self-employed roofer, plumber, or general contractor working in the US and occasionally hiring a local 1099 helper: Gusto is your best bet for paying yourself and managing subcontractors. If your trade business grows to include many W-2 employees and complex office needs, Rippling might become relevant far down the road. Deel or Remote are almost never needed for a solo US-based trade business.
How to get started with payroll for your trade
For any self-employed tradesperson, start with Gusto. You can set up your account to pay yourself and handle any 1099 subcontractors in under an hour. It’s simple, affordable, and keeps you compliant. You won't need to consider Rippling unless your business grows exponentially to a team of 10+ W-2 employees, and you are managing an office. Deel and Remote will likely never be part of your solo trade business toolkit.
RECOMMENDED TOOLS
Gusto
Payroll, benefits, and HR for US small businesses — simple and complete
Rippling
Unified HR, payroll, and IT platform — powerful as you scale
Deel
Hire and pay contractors and employees in 150+ countries
Remote
Global EOR and contractor payments with transparent pricing
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use Gusto to pay international contractors?
No. Gusto only supports US-based payroll. For international contractor payments, you need Deel, Remote, or a similar global platform.
What is an Employer of Record?
An EOR is a company that legally employs workers on your behalf in countries where you do not have a legal entity. You direct the work; the EOR handles taxes, benefits, and compliance. Deel and Remote both offer EOR services.
Is Rippling worth the higher cost?
Rippling's value grows with headcount. Under 10 employees, Gusto is usually better value. Above 15 employees, the time savings from unified HR, IT, and payroll management often exceed the cost difference.
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