Rippling

What is rippling

Rippling is a payroll-first HR and IT platform that centralizes employee data, automates payroll and tax filings, and connects HR, benefits, and IT systems through a single source of truth. The product is intended for small and mid-market businesses as well as larger companies that want one integrated system rather than separate payroll, HRIS, benefits, and IT tools. Rippling's payroll product specifically handles payroll calculations, multi-state tax withholding, filings, payroll runs, direct deposit, and payroll reporting while integrating with Rippling's broader HR and device management capabilities.

Rippling's product approach is modular: customers can buy payroll as a core module and then add hiring, benefits administration, time tracking, expense management, and device provisioning. Because all modules use the same employee records, Rippling minimizes duplicate data entry and synchronizes changes (for example, changes to pay, deductions, or employment status update payroll calculations and benefits enrollment automatically). Companies that run payroll for multiple states or have international contractors often select Rippling for the combined payroll, tax compliance, and workforce management capabilities it offers.

The payroll offering is designed to cover the full lifecycle of paying people: payroll calculations, tax deposits and filings, year-end forms, pay stubs and W-2/1099 generation, garnishments and deductions, and integrations to accounting systems. Rippling also exposes APIs and integration points for partners and customers who need custom flows, reporting, or third-party connectivity.

Rippling features

What does rippling do?

Rippling automates payroll processing and tax compliance while tying payroll to HR, benefits, and IT systems. Payroll features include scheduled payroll runs, off-cycle payrolls, multiple pay rates per employee, support for tipped wages and commissions, multi-state tax calculations, and automated federal, state, and local tax filings. The payroll module also supports contractor payments and 1099 processing.

Beyond core payroll, Rippling provides centralized employee records that feed benefits administration, time and attendance, performance management, and device provisioning. Time tracking integrates with payroll so hours and approvals flow directly into pay calculations. Benefits administration covers eligibility, enrollment, carrier connections, and premium reconciliation, reducing manual carrier paperwork.

Rippling includes compliance-focused features such as automated new hire reporting, garnishment management, payroll tax deposits, and end-of-year form generation. For IT and security needs, Rippling can automatically provision and deprovision applications and hardware when an employee is hired or offboarded, linking workforce changes to access controls. The platform also supports payroll reporting, export formats for accounting systems, and customizable payroll approval workflows.

Additional capabilities include:

• Payroll processing: Scheduled and off-cycle payroll runs, direct deposit, paper checks, and pay stub distribution.
• Tax filings and payments: Automated federal, state, and local payroll tax calculation, deposits, and return filing.
• Time and attendance: Clock-in/out, approvals, PTO policies, and timecard import for payroll calculations.
• Benefits administration: Carrier connections, enrollment flows, and premium reconciliation.
• Onboarding and offboarding: Automated workflows that sync to payroll, benefits, and device provisioning.
• Reporting and exports: Payroll journals, tax reports, and integrations to general ledger systems.
• Security and compliance: Role-based access, SSO support, audit logs, and data encryption.

For more detail on what the payroll product includes, see Rippling's payroll product page: view Rippling's payroll product page (https://www.rippling.com/payroll).

Rippling pricing

Rippling's payroll pricing varies by business size and the modules selected, with many customers reporting a combination of a platform fee plus a per-employee charge. Typical publicly discussed entry points place per-employee fees in the low single digits to low double digits per month alongside a monthly base service fee, but exact rates depend on the modules and contract. Enterprise customers receive custom quotes that reflect volume, additional services (like PEO or benefits brokerage), and any third-party integrations.

Rippling's commercial pricing model is modular: customers purchase a base platform and add payroll and other modules (HR, benefits, time tracking, devices). Pricing frequently quoted by customers in the market includes a per-employee-per-month component plus a platform or account fee for payroll processing and tax filing. Because Rippling negotiates enterprise deals and offers add-on services, many customers see different effective per-employee rates based on employee counts and service levels.

For precise, up-to-date pricing, check Rippling's pricing tiers on Rippling's pricing page (https://www.rippling.com/pricing). The official page provides details for modular pricing and often invites businesses to request a tailored quote to reflect their employee count, states of operation, and additional modules.

How much is rippling per month

Rippling starts at approximately $8/month per employee for basic HR services in many customer-reported breakdowns, with payroll carrying an additional per-employee or per-payroll fee in many cases. Monthly costs vary significantly with add-ons: time and attendance, benefits administration, and managed services increase the monthly bill. Small businesses with simple needs typically pay a few hundred dollars per month total, while mid-market customers with multiple modules and states of operation commonly pay multiple thousands per month.

How much is rippling per year

Rippling costs roughly $96/year per employee for the base HR plan when extrapolating the common per-month figures, but total annual costs depend on payroll frequency, benefits, and additional services. Annual contracts and multi-year commitments may change the effective price; enterprise-level agreements are priced on request and typically include volume discounts and custom implementation fees.

How much is rippling in general

Rippling pricing ranges from approximately $8/month per employee for basic HR up to several tens of dollars per employee per month when payroll, benefits administration, time tracking, and managed services are included. Total cost depends on employee count, number of states the business operates in, chosen payroll frequency, whether benefits and broker services are added, and any custom integrations or professional services. For accurate budgeting, businesses should request a tailored quote that includes implementation, onboarding support, and any third-party fees.

Check Rippling's pricing tiers for the latest rates and enterprise options on Rippling's pricing page (https://www.rippling.com/pricing).

What is rippling used for

Rippling is used for centralized payroll processing and workforce management where payroll data must stay synchronized with HR, benefits, and IT systems. Companies use Rippling to reduce manual data reconciliation between payroll and HRIS, automate tax filings and payments, and provide employees with self-service pay stubs, tax documents, and time-off requests. Because payroll, benefits, and device provisioning share a single employee record, administrative burden for onboarding, compensation changes, and offboarding is reduced.

Typical use cases include small businesses looking to move off manual spreadsheets, mid-size companies managing multi-state payroll and benefits, and larger organizations that want a unified system connecting HR and IT processes. Staffing firms and companies with remote or distributed workforces often choose Rippling when they need multi-jurisdiction payroll and contractor payment workflows. Organizations that need both payroll and device/app provisioning use Rippling to coordinate access rights and equipment assignment during hiring and termination.

Rippling also serves use cases that require automation and compliance: automated garnishment handling, taxable fringe benefits, integration of time tracking into payroll calculations, and consolidated payroll reporting for finance teams. The platform is used by HR teams to manage open enrollment and by finance to export payroll journals directly to accounting systems.

Pros and cons of rippling

Rippling's strengths lie in its unified data model, breadth of modules, and automation of payroll and HR workflows. Companies that want fewer disconnected point solutions appreciate the single employee record and the way payroll, benefits, time tracking, and device provisioning synchronize automatically. Built-in payroll tax filing and multi-state support reduce the manual work required to stay compliant across jurisdictions.

On the downside, Rippling's modular pricing and enterprise orientation mean that total cost can escalate as more modules and services are added. Organizations with only one narrow need (for example, simple payroll only for a very small team) may find more cost-effective single-purpose providers. Implementation for complex organizations—those with multiple legal entities, union agreements, or complex payroll rules—can require more planning and professional services.

Other weaknesses reported by users in the market include a learning curve for administrators unfamiliar with the platform's breadth, occasional customer support wait times at peak periods, and variability in add-on setup time when integrating numerous third-party carriers or custom workflows. Companies considering Rippling should weigh the benefits of integration against the cost and complexity of onboarding multiple modules.

Rippling free trial

Rippling commonly evaluates new customers through product demos and tailored pilot projects rather than a public, self-serve free trial. Prospective buyers can request a demo and work with Rippling's sales and implementation teams to scope a pilot that tests payroll runs, tax filings, time tracking integration, and benefits enrollment for a subset of employees. A pilot arrangement helps validate payroll runs, tax deposits, and reporting before a full rollout.

Because payroll includes compliance obligations (tax deposits, filings, and legal forms), many payroll vendors—including Rippling—handle new customers with guided onboarding and verification steps that reduce the suitability of an open free trial. Instead, Rippling offers onboarding, implementation support, and staged rollouts so that companies can confirm data accuracy and processes before transitioning all employees onto the platform.

If you want to explore Rippling directly, request a demo and pilot through Rippling's payroll product page: view Rippling's payroll product page (https://www.rippling.com/payroll).

Is rippling free

No, Rippling does not offer a permanently free payroll product for most customers. Payroll systems that handle tax filing and deposits typically charge for ongoing service and compliance, and Rippling follows a modular pricing model. However, Rippling may offer trial pilots or demo accounts to validate processes before full implementation.

Rippling API

Rippling provides developer-facing APIs and integration points that allow customers and partners to automate workflows, synchronize employee data, and exchange payroll and HR information with external systems. The API surface typically includes endpoints for employee records, payroll runs, time entries, benefits enrollment, and user provisioning. Many customers use Rippling's APIs to integrate payroll journals with accounting systems, sync employee directories to single sign-on providers, or build custom reporting and export pipelines.

Technical capabilities include RESTful endpoints, webhooks for event-driven updates (for example, when employee status changes), and support for standard identity provisioning protocols such as SCIM for directory synchronization. Authentication and access to the API are managed through secure tokens and role-based access controls to limit which systems and users can perform payroll or administrative actions. For partners and more complex use cases, Rippling offers partner integrations and API documentation that details available endpoints and practical examples.

Developers should consult Rippling's developer resources to review API reference material, rate limits, supported authentication methods, and SDKs or client libraries. For implementation details and the latest developer documentation, see Rippling's developer documentation (https://www.rippling.com/developers).

10 Rippling alternatives

• ADP — Large payroll and HR platform with strong compliance features and long-established market presence. Suited for organizations that need broad coverage and many tax jurisdictions.
• Gusto — Cloud payroll and HR platform focused on small businesses with simple pricing and easy onboarding. Popular for straightforward payroll and benefits in the U.S.
• Paychex — Payroll and HR services for small to large businesses, offering bundled payroll, retirement, and HR advisory services.
• Paylocity — Payroll and HR platform geared to mid-market customers with strong time tracking and reporting features.
• Rippling — The subject product, notable for its combined payroll, HRIS, benefits, and IT provisioning in one platform.
• UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) — Comprehensive HCM and payroll platform focused on large enterprises with complex workforce management needs.
• Ceridian Dayforce — Global HCM suite with payroll integrated tightly into workforce management and HR processes.
• TriNet — PEO and HR outsourcing solution that includes payroll as part of a bundled HR and benefits offering.
• Intuit QuickBooks Payroll — Payroll solution tightly integrated with QuickBooks accounting and designed for small businesses.
• Square Payroll — Payroll oriented toward small businesses, especially those already using Square for payments and POS.

Paid alternatives to rippling

• ADP: Comprehensive payroll, tax filing, and HR services with national coverage and enterprise-grade compliance. ADP offers multiple product tiers for small businesses up to global enterprises and extensive payroll tax support.
• Gusto: Simple pricing and straightforward payroll for small businesses, including payroll tax filing, employee self-service, and benefits administration for common U.S. plans.
• Paychex: Flexible payroll and HR services with options for fully outsourced payroll and HR consulting. Paychex can handle complex payroll scenarios and retirement plan administration.
• Paylocity: Modern payroll and human capital management for mid-market organizations, with strong reporting, time tracking, and employee engagement features.
• Ceridian Dayforce: Enterprise-focused HCM and payroll with a single data model for payroll, HR, and workforce management. Well suited for organizations requiring global payroll and complex scheduling.

Open source alternatives to rippling

• Odoo: Open source ERP with payroll, HR, and accounting modules that can be self-hosted and extended. Odoo is modular and can cover payroll with country-specific localization where community modules exist.
• ERPNext: Open source ERP that includes HR and payroll modules. ERPNext is community-driven and suitable for organizations that want full control and self-hosting.
• OrangeHRM: Open source HR management system with core HR features; payroll add-ons or integrations are available through community modules or partners.
• Sentrifugo: Open source HRMS offering core HR functions and configurable workflows; payroll functionality may require extensions or integration with third-party payroll processors.

Frequently asked questions about Rippling

What is Rippling used for?

Rippling is used for payroll, HR, and IT systems management that share a single employee data model. Organizations use Rippling to run payroll, file payroll taxes, manage benefits enrollment, track time and attendance, and automate device and application provisioning during onboarding and offboarding.

Does Rippling handle payroll tax filings?

Yes, Rippling automates payroll tax calculations, deposits, and filings for federal, state, and many local jurisdictions in the U.S. The platform generates and files required returns and handles tax deposits as part of the payroll service, though customers should confirm coverage for specific localities and multistate needs with Rippling's sales or support.

How much does Rippling cost per user per month?

Rippling starts at approximately $8/month per employee for basic HR services in commonly reported pricing breakdowns, with payroll and other modules adding per-employee or per-payroll fees. Actual per-user pricing varies based on selected modules, the number of employees, and any negotiated contract terms.

Is there a free version of Rippling?

No, Rippling does not provide a permanently free payroll product for most customers. Rippling typically offers demos and piloted rollouts rather than an open, free tier, because payroll services include compliance obligations that require verified onboarding and configuration.

Can Rippling pay contractors and handle 1099s?

Yes, Rippling supports contractor payments and 1099 processing. The payroll module can be used to pay contractors, generate 1099 forms, and provide contractor tax documents, though customers should confirm supported countries and contractor payment methods when operating internationally.

Does Rippling integrate with accounting systems like QuickBooks or NetSuite?

Yes, Rippling offers integrations to common accounting systems and general ledger exports. Customers can export payroll journals, map payroll categories to chart of accounts, and automate posting to systems such as QuickBooks and NetSuite; consult Rippling's integration documentation for supported formats and mapping options.

Can Rippling run payroll across multiple states?

Yes, Rippling supports multi-state payroll and tax withholding. The platform calculates state and local taxes and files required returns in jurisdictions Rippling supports, though organizations with complex multistate footprints should verify coverage for specific local tax authorities.

How secure is payroll data in Rippling?

Rippling uses industry-standard security practices to protect payroll data, including encryption and access controls. The platform includes role-based permissions, audit logs, secure data transmission, and options for single sign-on; for enterprise customers, Rippling offers additional compliance and security features. Check Rippling's security documentation for current certifications and controls.

Does Rippling provide APIs for integrations?

Yes, Rippling exposes APIs and webhooks for integration with external systems. Developers can use RESTful endpoints and event-driven webhooks to synchronize employee records, payroll runs, time entries, and benefits data, enabling custom automations and integrations to accounting, SSO, and reporting systems.

What onboarding support does Rippling offer for payroll?

Rippling provides guided onboarding, implementation services, and staged rollouts for payroll migration. New customers typically work with Rippling's implementation team to validate employee records, tax registrations, carrier connections, and payroll test runs before processing live payrolls to ensure accurate tax deposits and filings.

### rippling careers

Rippling hires across product, engineering, customer success, and implementation roles to support payroll, HR, and IT automation products. Careers at Rippling typically focus on building integrations with payroll systems, improving compliance workflows, and delivering customer onboarding and support. Technical roles often require experience with payroll systems, APIs, and data security practices.

The company also staffs implementation specialists and payroll operations professionals who work directly with customers to configure payroll tax settings, run test payrolls, and ensure compliance across states. Customer-facing roles emphasize knowledge of payroll rules and benefits administration in order to guide customers through regulatory and technical requirements.

Job seekers interested in payroll technology, HR systems, or platform integrations should review Rippling's careers page for open positions and role descriptions. For more detail about hiring and typical roles, consult Rippling's careers information on their website: Rippling careers (https://www.rippling.com/careers).

### rippling affiliate

Rippling offers partner and reseller programs that allow brokers, benefits consultants, and software resellers to refer customers or integrate Rippling's payroll and HR services into their offerings. Affiliate and partner arrangements typically include referral fees, co-selling support, and access to partner resources.

Companies considering an affiliate relationship should evaluate the partner tiers and requirements, such as revenue targets, technical capabilities, and joint-go-to-market commitments. Partners that specialize in payroll, benefits brokerage, or HR software integrations can leverage Rippling's modular product set to provide a bundled service.

Interested partners should review Rippling's partner program details and contact their partner team to understand the commission structure and technical onboarding. See Rippling's partner information for current program terms: Rippling partner program (https://www.rippling.com/partners).

### Where to find rippling reviews

To evaluate Rippling in the market, review user reviews and analyst reports on independent software review sites and marketplaces. Common sources include industry review platforms, software directories, and customer case studies that highlight payroll migration examples, multi-state payroll setups, and experiences with onboarding and support.

When reading reviews, pay attention to comments about implementation time, customer support responsiveness, pricing transparency for modular add-ons, and experiences with complex payroll scenarios such as multi-state tax filings or contractor payments. Reviews from companies in your industry or of similar size are often the most relevant.

For curated user reviews and comparative ratings, consult software review sites and Rippling's case studies on their website, and request references directly from Rippling to speak with customers who have implemented payroll and HR modules at similar scale.

Research notes

Collected and synthesized information about Rippling's payroll product, feature set, modular pricing model, API capabilities, and typical market positioning. Pricing figures are presented as commonly reported starting points and ranges because Rippling uses modular, quote-based pricing for many customers; readers are directed to Rippling's pricing and payroll product pages for exact current rates and enterprise terms. External links used: Rippling payroll product page (https://www.rippling.com/payroll), Rippling pricing page (https://www.rippling.com/pricing), Rippling developer resources (https://www.rippling.com/developers), Rippling careers (https://www.rippling.com/careers), Rippling partner program (https://www.rippling.com/partners).