Workday vs Paylocity
A head-to-head comparison to help you pick the right tool
Last updated: April 30, 2026
Workday
Workday is an enterprise-grade HCM platform used by large organizations worldwide. It covers HR, payroll, finance, and planning in a deeply integrated suite. Workday is the gold standard for enterprise HR but requires significant implementation resources and budget.
Paylocity
Paylocity is a modern HR and payroll platform designed for mid-market businesses. It combines payroll processing with employee engagement tools, learning management, and workforce analytics. Paylocity stands out for its strong mobile experience and focus on building connected, engaged workplaces.
Pros
- ✓Extremely powerful and configurable for complex enterprise needs
- ✓Best-in-class financial and workforce planning tools
- ✓Strong compliance and audit capabilities
- ✓Extensive global payroll coverage
Cons
- ✗Very expensive with long implementation timelines of 6-12 months
- ✗Overkill and unaffordable for companies under 500 employees
- ✗UI can feel dated and complex for everyday users
Pros
- ✓Strong employee engagement and communication tools
- ✓Excellent mobile app for both managers and employees
- ✓Modern UI with good user adoption rates
- ✓Robust payroll with strong compliance features
Cons
- ✗Pricing requires a sales call and is not published online
- ✗Implementation can be complex for larger organizations
- ✗Some advanced features require additional modules at extra cost
Workday vs Paylocity: Side by Side
| Factor | Workday | Paylocity |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Category | HR Software | HR Software |
| Pricing Model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting Price | $34/user/mo | Custom pricing |
| Best For | Large enterprises with 500+ employees | Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees |
| Our Pick | — | — |
Workday Features
- ✓HR
- ✓payroll
- ✓finance
- ✓planning
- ✓analytics
- ✓learning management
Paylocity Features
- ✓Payroll
- ✓benefits
- ✓talent management
- ✓workforce management
- ✓analytics
- ✓employee self-service
Pricing Comparison
Our Take
Choose Workday if large enterprises with 500+ employees. Choose Paylocity if mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees.
Best For
Large enterprises with 500+ employees
Best For
Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees
How Workday and Paylocity Are Similar
- •Both are HR Software platforms designed for business teams
- •Both offer web-based access with no software installation required
- •Both provide customer support and onboarding resources
- •Both integrate with popular third-party business tools
- •Both offer a trial or demo to evaluate before purchasing
Also Consider
If neither Workday nor Paylocity is the right fit, Justworks is worth evaluating.
Justworks
Small businesses wanting Fortune 500 benefits
From $59/employee/mo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Workday and Paylocity?
Workday is best for large enterprises with 500+ employees. Paylocity is best for mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees.
Which is better, Workday or Paylocity?
Choose Workday if large enterprises with 500+ employees. Choose Paylocity if mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees.
How much does Workday cost?
Workday starts at $34/user/mo. Pricing model: Paid.
How much does Paylocity cost?
Paylocity starts at Custom pricing. Pricing model: Paid.
Who should use Workday?
Large enterprises with 500+ employees
Who should use Paylocity?
Mid-market businesses with 20-1000 employees