What You’ll Learn About Managed IT Services Pricing
When you’re evaluating Managed IT Services, price is usually one of the first things people ask about. But it’s never a one-size-fits-all answer.
Here’s a breakdown of what affects pricing, where our services lie, who we’re the best fit for, and how to know if you’re making a smart investment.
What Makes IT Services Pricing Go Up?
If your business needs more attention or has more at stake, that’s going to increase costs. Some of the common drivers include:
- The obvious -> More employees = more users to support
- Need for 24/7 helpdesk support or after-hours coverage
- Data protection, like backups, disaster recovery, and business continuity systems
- Advanced cybersecurity tools (think EDR, MFA, SIEM… fancy stuff that keeps you safe)
- On-site visits or frequent field support
- Compliance-heavy environments (HIPAA, CMMC, etc.)
- Large onboarding projects or updating network systems
- Location – such as cities with a high cost of living/operation
What Keeps IT Costs Lower?
The opposite of what can drive costs up, plus:
- Lower levels of support, for example, monitoring-only or remote-only contracts.
- Using break-fix only support plans = No proactive support such as backups, security updates, or patching.
- Using Cloud Solutions rather than on-premise servers
Why Do Some MSPs Charge So Much?
Some providers come in at a much higher price point because they:
- Offer deep security stacks and guaranteed fast response times
- Use senior-level techs and certified pros
- Include vCIO services and strategic consulting
- Provide compliance planning and business continuity services
- Meet with business owners for regular technical business reviews
- Include recommended security services bundled into their plans, like SOC Threat Detection, Response, & Recovery tools.
- Use industry-standard, paid tools for managing/monitoring systems and endpoint devices.
- Operate in higher-cost areas (such as Boston and New York)
… And Why Are Other MSPs So Cheap?
On the flip side, some providers charge a lot less – but it often comes at a cost:
- They may use entry-level techs who read from scripts or outsource their support team
- Only offer break/fix or reactive services
- Skip security updates, backups, or patching
- No planning, strategy, or compliance included
- Rely on barebones tools or free/open-source software
- They are small one to two-person operations with lower overhead
- No guaranteed SLA or longer response times
The Real Cost of IT Support
“You get what you pay for” – truer words were never spoken when it relates to IT for your business.
While some MSPs may appear cheaper on the surface, poor support, missed patches, or lack of critical security tools can lead to:
- Costly extended downtime
- Emergency service costs that push into the hundreds (or thousands) of dollars
- Cybersecurity incidents which can be severely detrimental to your organization.
With ClearCom IT, your investment in ongoing elite support prevents costly surprises later.
What Are Average Price Ranges for IT Services?
Price ranges for IT services are very broad.
Break-fix pricing, where you pay only when something needs to be fixed, ranges from $100 to $250 per hour, with a one-hour minimum.
Managed IT Services, which include device maintenance, backup, and security, along with ongoing support, are priced between $50 to $150 per computer and $175 to $300 per server on a monthly contract. Managed IT support is, by design, proactive support. Keeping your systems updated and secure prevents issues from arising that keep you or your team from working.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
When signing up for either type of support, please review your contract to understand what is included and what is considered “extra” or “out of scope” so you won’t be surprised down the road.
For example, customization of third-party software, email migrations, camera system installation, wiring & cabling services, compliance certification, etc., are typically billed as separate projects.
Average monthly IT costs for small businesses
Here are a few real-world examples of what it costs for managed IT services –
- Monthly IT costs for a small manufacturing business with 11 computers, 6 servers, 12 users, full security services, and a business continuity system = $2,415 per month
- Monthly IT costs for a property management group with 26 computers, 22 users, VoIP, and full security services = $4,045 per month
- Monthly IT costs for a local dental practice with 10 computers, 6 users, and 1 server = $995 per month
How Have IT Prices Changed Over Time?
While our pricing has remained relatively consistent, we’ve seen industry-wide increases of 10–15% in the last 3 years due to rising cybersecurity needs and inflation.
ClearCom IT has absorbed much of that cost to stay competitive, while still investing in 24/7 support and compliance services.
- Minor pricing increases since 2020
- We’ve avoided reactive, surprise price hikes
- Continued investment in security and compliance
Who ClearCom IT is Best (and Not Best) For
| ClearCom IT is a great fit if you… | We may not be the best choice if you… |
| Consider keeping your technology and data secure and up-to-date as an investment, not an expense. | Don’t have any money in the budget for technology and cybersecurity improvements. |
| Budget for IT and cybersecurity support. | Want the lowest cost. |
| Have an IT person or team who values the support and knowledge our team provides. | Are just looking for break/fix or as-needed support. |
| Are open to suggestions for recommendations from your account manager regarding hardware, security, or backup solutions to meet your business goals. | Have an IT person on your team who is resistant to collaborating with anyone else or being open to suggestions/recommendations. |
| Desire a true partner in your business vs someone who just fixes your computers. | Have unrealistic expectations on response times, and everything is a high priority. |
Try our pricing estimator to see if managed IT services are a good fit for your organization.
