Your organization has crossed the 15-employee threshold where formal compliance and dispute risks emerge, but doesn't yet require a $90k+ full-time generalist. A dedicated fractional consultant (10-15 hrs/month) eliminates legal blindspots while preserving capital.
Federal and state employment laws activate at distinct employee counts regardless of intent.
| Model | Best Fit Headcount | Monthly Investment | Founder Burden |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founder DIY + Payroll Software | 1 - 10 employees | $50 - $250 / mo | 10 - 20 hrs / wk (High) |
| Fractional HR Consultant | 10 - 35 employees | $1,500 - $3,500 / mo | 1 - 3 hrs / wk (Low) |
| PEO / Co-Employment (e.g. Justworks/TriNet) | 15 - 80 employees | $100 - $160 / employee / mo | 2 - 4 hrs / wk (Low) |
| In-House Full-Time HR Generalist | 40+ employees | $6,500 - $9,500 / mo (Salary+Benefits) | 0 - 1 hr / wk (Zero) |