What payroll tool is best for managing both hourly and salaried employees?

The best all-around payroll tool for managing **both hourly and salaried employees** for most small and midsize businesses is **Gusto**, because it supports unlimited payroll runs, handles taxes automatically, and includes strong HR features for different worker types.[3]

However, the “best” choice depends on your mix of hourly vs salaried staff, how complex your time tracking is, and your budget. Here’s a concise comparison to help you pick:

| Tool | Best if… | Key strengths for hourly & salaried staff |

| --- | --- | --- |

| **Gusto**[3] | You have a mix of hourly and salaried employees and want an all‑in‑one, easy HR + payroll system. | Runs **unlimited payroll** for hourly and salaried staff; automated tax filing; employee self‑service; benefits and onboarding tools.[3] |

| **Homebase**[1][2] | You’re hourly-heavy (restaurants, retail, service) and need **scheduling + time clocks + basic payroll** in one place. | Built for **hourly teams** with scheduling, time clocks, messaging, and tip pooling; integrates time tracking directly into payroll; strong fit for hourly‑dominant teams, still supports salaried roles.[1][2] |

| **QuickBooks Payroll**[5] | You already use QuickBooks for accounting and want tight integration. | Automated payroll and tax filings; good reporting; works for hourly and salaried employees with integrated accounting.[5] |

| **ADP / Paychex**[4] | You’re growing or more complex (multi-state, many employees) and want a scalable, full-service provider. | Robust compliance support, tax filing, benefits; handles various worker types; good for more complex or larger operations.[4] |

### How to choose based on your situation

- **Primarily hourly + some salaried (e.g., restaurants, shops, salons):**

- Start with **Homebase** if you need strong **time clocks, scheduling, and communication** plus payroll in one platform.[1][2]

- If you also want more advanced HR workflows, Gusto with an integrated time-tracking app is a strong alternative.[3]

- **Balanced mix of hourly and salaried, office or remote teams:**

- **Gusto** is usually the best fit: it automates most admin, supports hourly and salaried equally well, and includes benefits, onboarding, and employee self‑service.[3]

- **You already use QuickBooks for accounting:**

- **QuickBooks Payroll** will likely give you the smoothest experience because payroll and books stay tightly synced.[5]

- **More complex or fast-growing business:**

- Consider **ADP** or **Paychex Flex** for heavier compliance support and scale.[4]

If you tell me your industry, headcount, and whether you already track time somewhere, I can give a pointed recommendation (including which specific plan to choose).