How Much Does IT Support Cost Per User for Small Businesses in Raleigh, NC?

Small businesses in Raleigh generally pay $150–$250 per user per month for managed IT services. For companies with 10–15 employees, this translates to a predictable monthly investment of $2,000–$3,000. Pricing varies based on cybersecurity requirements, compliance obligations, and the level of proactive support provided.

 

Most professional IT providers in the Raleigh / NC Triangle area require a minimum of 10 users, ensuring they can properly monitor systems, respond quickly, and maintain security standards. At $200 per user per month, businesses receive proactive support, cybersecurity protection, and consistent IT management without surprise invoices.

A standard managed IT plan typically includes:

  • Unlimited helpdesk support

  • 24/7 monitoring of systems and networks

  • Patch management and software updates

  • Endpoint protection and antivirus/EDR

  • Microsoft 365 or cloud support

  • Backup monitoring and recovery assistance

  • Cybersecurity best practices like MFA and access control

Lower-priced plans often exclude security layers or backups, which increases long-term risk and cost.

"Per-user pricing covers proactive IT management, not just fixing problems after they happen."

Why IT Support Pricing Ranges from $150 to $250 Per User

Pricing increases when businesses require:

  • Advanced cybersecurity protection

  • Compliance support for utilities or energy sectors

  • Faster response times

  • Proactive maintenance and planning

Construction, utilities, and trade businesses usually fall closer to the $200–$250 range due to higher risk and uptime needs.

Monthly Cost for a 10–15 Employee Business

Typical monthly costs:

  • 10 users × $200 = $2,000/month

  • 15 users × $200 = $3,000/month

The 10-seat minimum ensures proper coverage and avoids gaps that lead to downtime or security incidents.

 

Managed IT vs Break-Fix: 12-Month Cost Comparison

Break-fix looks cheaper until downtime and emergencies are added up.

Break-fix example:

  • $150/hour labor

  • Multiple incidents per year

  • No monitoring or prevention

Managed IT example:

  • Flat monthly fee

  • Issues prevented before users notice

  • Security included by default

Most small businesses spend 20–40% more annually with break-fix once risk is considered.

 

Real Example: Raleigh-Based Construction Company

Focus sentence: Proactive IT reduced downtime and stabilized costs.

A 12-employee construction firm previously spent about $1,300/month on break-fix IT.

After switching to managed IT at $200 per user:

  • Downtime dropped by over 60%

  • Zero security incidents in 12 months

  • Fully predictable IT costs

The Hidden Cost of Handling IT In-House (For 10–15 Employee Businesses)

Many small businesses believe handling IT themselves is cheaper because there’s no monthly IT bill. In reality, the costs are just spread out, hidden, and unpredictable.

Here’s how in-house IT typically adds up for a 10–15 person business:

Time Lost by Owners and Staff

  • Business owners or managers often spend 5–10 hours per month dealing with IT issues

  • At a conservative $75/hour, that’s $375–$750 per month in lost leadership time

  • Employees lose productivity during slow computers, outages, or login issues

Security Gaps and Risk Exposure

  • DIY IT often lacks:

    • Advanced endpoint protection

    • Multi-factor authentication enforcement

    • Backup monitoring and testing

  • One phishing or ransomware incident can cost tens of thousands of dollars in downtime, recovery, or lost data

What This Really Means for Small Businesses

When you add it all together:

  • Lost time

  • Emergency labor

  • Security risk

  • Tool overlap

  • Downtime

Handling IT internally often costs as much or more than managed IT, with significantly higher risk and no accountability.

Why Businesses Trust Our IT Pricing & Support

Clear pricing and proactive service reduce risk and stress.

Service-connected disabled veteran-owned MSP

Specialization in utilities, construction, and trades

Security-first IT model

Local Raleigh / NC Triangle support

Transparent pricing with no surprises

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