IT support is one of the best investments a business owner can make. It helps your business run efficiently, stay secure, follow regulations, and make smarter decisions with technology. But let’s be honest — IT support can be expensive. That’s why it’s important to find a plan that fits your budget and your needs.
In-House vs. Outsourced IT Support: What’s the Cost?
Many small businesses get IT help from friends or family, or they hire a third-party IT company. Some even build their own internal IT team. Each option has its pros and cons, but cost is usually the biggest factor.
Hiring in-house can be pricey. An IT specialist costs an average of over $60,000 a year in salary alone — and that doesn’t include taxes, benefits, or insurance. On top of that, if you’re not an IT expert yourself, hiring the right person can be tricky. Bringing in the wrong technician could cause serious problems for your business.
Outsourcing your IT is often the more affordable option. Most businesses pay between $75 and $200 per hour, or $600 to $2,500 per month, depending on what they need. According to Cisco, outsourcing IT can cut in-house costs by 30–40% and boost efficiency by 50–60% — making it a smart move for many small businesses.
So, What Does IT Support Actually Cost?
The honest answer: it depends. The cost of IT support varies based on factors like:
- The size of your business
- What IT services you need
- Your current technology setup
- Where your business is located
- Whether you need on-site support, remote support, or both
- The experience level of the IT provider
Here are the two most common pricing models:
Option 1: Hourly Rate
Some IT providers charge by the hour for one-time help or specific projects. Rates typically range from $75 to $200 or more per hour. This option works well if:
- You only need IT help occasionally
- You want to pay only for the time actually spent on your issue
- You’re working on a small, one-time project
- You want to avoid paying for services you don’t use
That said, if your business needs ongoing IT support or you want someone helping you improve your technology over time, a monthly plan might make more sense.
Option 2: Managed Services Agreement (MSA)
A Managed Services Agreement is a contract between your business and an IT company. Instead of paying by the hour, you pay a set monthly fee for ongoing support. Here’s why many businesses prefer this model:
- Predictable costs: You know exactly what you’re paying each month — typically between $600 and $2,500.
- Proactive maintenance: Your IT team works to prevent problems before they happen, which saves you money and reduces downtime.
- Long-term partnership: Your IT provider gets to know your business and helps you plan and improve your technology over time.
- No surprise bills: Many IT costs, like equipment and software management, are bundled into the monthly fee.
What Does Zia Networks Offer?
At Zia Networks, we offer flexible IT support plans designed to fit the needs of local businesses. We have two options:
The Unlimited Plan is perfect for businesses that need regular, ongoing IT support. With this plan, you get unlimited access to our team of IT experts whenever you need help. No extra fees, no surprises — just reliable support so you can focus on running your business.
The Remote Monitoring Plan is great for businesses that want proactive IT management while keeping costs predictable. This plan includes a set number of prepaid support hours each month. Our team continuously monitors your systems, handles routine maintenance, and steps in when issues come up — all within your prepaid hours.
Our pricing starts at $750 per month and is based on a per-device model, meaning you only pay for the devices you want us to support. This keeps things fair, transparent, and easy to scale as your business grows.
If you’re ready to stop stressing about technology and start focusing on your business, Zia Networks is here to help. Reach out today and let’s find the right plan for you.
