US Payroll Platforms PEAK Matrix® Assessment 2025

Managing payroll in the US remains both mature and complex, marked by fragmented buyer needs and diverse provider approaches. As organizations seek accuracy, compliance, and agility, the payroll market rapidly transforming, fueled by automation, AI, and embedded analytics that reshape how HR and finance teams execute pay operations.

This report comprehensively evaluates 20 leading US payroll platform across small (<100 employees), mid-market (100-1,000 employees), and large and enterprise (>1,000 employees) buyer segments, benchmarking their vision, capabilities, and market impact. It assesses how providers are enabling smarter payroll through continuous calculation, predictive insights, and unified integration with HR, benefits, and finance systems. The report features providers that offer a SaaS-based payroll platform in the US with native gross-to-net engine capabilities.

The study highlights key shifts in buyer priorities, emerging innovations such as AI-led anomaly detection and financial wellness tools, and evolving differentiation between providers. Based on Everest Group’s proprietary methodology, including comprehensive provider RFIs, extensive buyer interviews, operational briefings, and market surveys, this report classifies 20 US payroll platform providers into Leaders, Major Contenders, and Aspirants. This empowers enterprises to select platforms aligned with their scale, complexities, and digital maturity, while helping providers benchmark their competitive positioning in a dynamic market.