How much does an HR consultant cost?
It depends on the model. Human Asset Consultants prices a one-time HR audit at $495 and ongoing outsourced HR from $1,500 a month as a flat fee rather than a block of hours. For comparison, an experienced certified HR professional in Central Florida costs six figures in salary before benefits and payroll taxes.
When should I hire an HR consultant instead of a full-time HR manager?
When you have enough HR risk to need certified expertise but not enough volume to keep a full-time professional engaged. That's most businesses between roughly 10 and 150 employees, and below about $10 million in revenue.
What's the difference between an HR consultant and a PEO?
A PEO becomes co-employer of your staff and bundles payroll, benefits, and workers' comp. You buy administration and give up some control. An HR consultant stays advisory: you keep your employer status, your vendors, and your culture, and you get expertise on top. Businesses that want to keep their culture and their vendor relationships generally want a consultant. Note that a PEO does not take your E-Verify obligation off your hands.
What does an HR audit include?
A structured review of hiring and onboarding, classification, wage and hour practice, personnel files, handbook and policies, leave, performance and discipline, terminations, and required postings. The deliverable is written findings ranked by what each gap would cost, plus a remediation plan with sequencing.
Do HR consultants give legal advice?
No. An HR consultant is not a lawyer and cannot provide legal advice or representation. The work is applying employment law to your practices, documentation, and decisions. Anything in litigation, or requiring privilege, belongs with employment counsel, and a good consultant will say so rather than improvise.