Flat monthly rate vs. hourly: what remote staff really costs.

By the FullPond team · 4 min read

When you compare remote staffing companies, the first number you see is rarely the number you pay. Some quote an hourly rate. Some quote a monthly rate. Some add fees after you sign. Here is a simple way to compare them on equal footing.

Turn any hourly rate into a monthly number

A year has 52 weeks, so the average month has 52 divided by 12, or about 4.33 weeks. To compare an hourly quote with a monthly rate, use this:

Hourly rate x hours per week x 52 / 12 = average monthly cost

Here is what that looks like for common quotes:

An hourly price can look smaller than it is. At 40 hours a week, any rate above about $11.54 an hour costs more than $2,000 a month.

Ask what the number includes

The rate only tells you part of the story. Before you sign with anyone, ask:

• Does the price include the person's pay, HR and in-country compliance, or are those billed separately?
• Are there setup, placement or recruiting fees?
• What happens if the person is not the right fit? Is there a replacement guarantee, and how long does it last?
• Is there a minimum number of hours or a minimum contract term?
• How are holidays, overtime and time off handled?

Get the answers in writing. A clear quote is a good sign about how the rest of the relationship will go.

When hourly makes sense, and when flat wins

Hourly pricing can work well for part-time help or workloads that swing a lot from week to week. If you need someone for a set number of hours every week, a flat monthly rate is easier to plan around. One number on one invoice, every month.

How FullPond prices it

FullPond charges one flat monthly rate. It covers the person, their pay, HR and in-country compliance. Full-time office and admin roles are $2,000 a month, all in, and every placement comes with a 90-day replacement guarantee. Part-time and specialized roles are quoted on a 15-minute call.

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