We surveyed 412 managed IT providers and the businesses that hire them across the US and Canada to answer the question buyers ask first: what should managed IT cost? Here is what the data shows.
In the 2026 Best IT MSP Pricing Benchmark (a survey of 412 MSPs and buyers across the US and Canada), fully managed IT services averaged 145 USD per user per month, with most plans between 110 and 185 USD. Co-managed IT averaged 85 USD per user per month. Per-user pricing is now the dominant model (63% of MSPs), ahead of per-device (24%). Onboarding fees averaged 1,200 USD for a 25-seat business. Use these figures to sanity-check any managed IT quote.
Across the panel, fully managed IT (where the provider runs the entire IT function) clustered tightly around a 145 USD per-user, per-month average. Co-managed IT, where the MSP augments an in-house team, came in lower at 85 USD because the client keeps part of the workload. The spread below shows the typical band by service model.
| Service model | Typical range (per user / mo) | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Fully managed IT | $110 – $185 | $145 |
| Co-managed IT | $55 – $120 | $85 |
| Help-desk only | $35 – $70 | $52 |
| Security add-on (per user) | $15 – $45 | $28 |
Source: Best IT MSP 2026 MSP Pricing Survey (n = 412), responses collected May 2026. Figures in USD; Canadian responses converted at survey-period rates.
The pricing model itself is consolidating. 63% of surveyed providers now price primarily per user, 24% per device, and 13% use tiered or flat-fee arrangements. Buyers told us per-user pricing is easier to forecast as headcount changes, which is the main reason it keeps gaining share.
Three factors moved quotes the most in the data: security and compliance scope (regulated industries paid a premium), 24/7 versus business-hours coverage, and the age of the environment being supported. Onboarding fees were near-universal, averaging 1,200 USD for a 25-seat business, and were often waived on multi-year agreements.
Treat these numbers as a sanity check, not a ceiling. A quote well below the band usually means a thinner scope (often security or backup is excluded), and a quote above it should come with a clear reason. To compare real providers in your city on verified ratings and services, browse the Best IT MSP city directory.
This report is based on a survey of 412 respondents (managed IT providers and the businesses that hire them) across the United States and Canada, fielded in May 2026. Pricing figures are self-reported and cross-checked against published rate cards where available. See our full ranking and evaluation process. MSPs can join the panel for future reports on the Reports page.
How much do managed IT services cost per user in 2026?
Fully managed IT averaged 145 USD per user per month in this benchmark, with most plans between 110 and 185 USD. Co-managed IT averaged 85 USD per user per month.
What is the difference between fully managed and co-managed IT pricing?
Fully managed IT means the MSP runs everything and averaged 145 USD per user per month. Co-managed IT supports an in-house team and averaged 85 USD per user per month, because the client retains part of the work.
Is per-user or per-device MSP pricing more common?
Per-user pricing is now the most common model: 63% of surveyed MSPs price primarily per user, 24% per device, and 13% use tiered or flat-fee models.