While there may not be one definitive answer to the question: “how much does managed IT service cost?”, there are many ways you can predict the cost of managed IT services for you. Of course, this will vary depending on your provider, but there are some general guidelines.
Whatever you end up paying, one of the best things about managed service providers (MSPs) is that their costs are predictable. Your partner should highlight what you can expect to pay in their Service Level Agreement (SLA) and this price should remain consistent.
This article will break down what affects managed IT services pricing, what makes it predictable, and how you can estimate the cost of managed services at your organization.
Pricing System | Average Price Range |
Tiered | $3,000-$6,000 per month, depending on package |
Per User | $175-$250 per user each month |
Per Device | $200-$250 per month per server $50-$100 per month per individual device $25-$75 per month per piece of networking equipment May be all of the above |
À la Carte | $30-$100 per user or device that uses each service per month |
Here are 4 common pricing systems.
1. Tiered
A tiered system is a package deal set by the managed service provider. They may offer certain packages like “standard,” “premium,” etc. that include specific services. While this is a great way to get a predictable monthly cost, you run the risk of paying for services you don’t need.
2. Per User
This is the most common MSP pricing model. With this system, you would pay a specific rate per user per month. It’s important to note that this model is not necessarily based on the number of employees you have, but on the number of end-users in your IT infrastructure.
3. Per Device
With the per device model, you would pay a flat fee for every computer or mobile device connected to your managed network. In some cases, this may be more affordable than the per user model if multiple users use the same device.
4. À la Carte
Like an à la carte menu, à la carte managed services let you select the services you want and only pay for them. This can be a cost-effective solution, but there is a chance that you might need services that you didn’t know you needed. Consult your provider before you select services.
