buoy PEO

HR, payroll and compliance, handled by experts.

Tailored benefits and HR for businesses of every size and for 1099 contractors. You run the front office. BuoyPEO runs the back office.

  • Payroll and taxes in all 50 states
  • Medical, dental, vision and 401(k)
  • A dedicated HR professional
app.buoyhub.com
Buoy PEO pay and benefits screen with pay stubs and benefit plans

Why BuoyPEO

Big-company benefits. Your company, your call.

You get the buying power of a large employer and a team that runs the back office. Every decision about your business stays yours.

01

Big-company buying power

Pooled with thousands of workers on our platform, you get benefits normally reserved for large employers.

02

Protections included, not upsold

Buoy CHAMP, a dedicated insurance advisor and Harbor Shield 125 compliance come in every plan.

03

People, not a ticket queue

A dedicated HR professional and a named Buoy navigator who drives setup and enrollment with you.

Key features

Everything your team needs, under one roof.

Strategic HR consulting

A dedicated HR professional for handbooks, everyday HR questions and offloading employer risk.

Payroll and taxes

Payroll and tax filings in all 50 states, with mobile time tracking, direct deposit and job costing.

Benefits and financial wellness

Group medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance and 401(k), with self-service enrollment.

Hiring, onboarding and training

Applicant tracking, paperless onboarding and a built-in learning management system.

Compliance and risk management

Local tax filings, changing employment law, workers' comp claims and workplace safety reviews.

Employee engagement and support

Performance tracking, team feedback and an employee assistance program for confidential counseling.

The Buoy standard

Included in every plan.

Essential protections shouldn't be locked behind add-on tiers.

  • Buoy CHAMP: 24/7 $0 copay care and mental health support
  • A dedicated insurance advisor for business and personal lines
  • Harbor Shield 125: automated Section 125 compliance and IRS audit defense

Choose your pathway

Built for teams and for people who work for themselves.

For businesses

W-2 employees and 1099 contractors on one platform.

  • Less adminPayroll, benefits and compliance for your whole workforce in one place.
  • Tip+Tax advantageTipped businesses can help staff keep an average of $4,000 to $7,000 more a year, through payroll.

For 1099 contractors

Big-company benefits, without giving up independence.

  • No 50-employee barrierSolo professionals get group health benefits, workers' comp and corporate tax structures.
  • Gig PEOHealthcare, tax tools and financial perks built for freelancers and gig workers.

Rising health costs are squeezing teams and 1099s. From Buoy's 2026 U.S. Health Coverage Affordability Crisis Report.

average yearly employee contribution for family coverage
$6,850
per-employee IRS penalties for businesses under ACA thresholds
$3,340–$5,010
of employers stuck between absorbing costs or losing talent
50%

FAQ

Questions, answered.

What is a PEO?

Through co-employment, a PEO takes on payroll, tax filings, workers' comp, onboarding and benefits so you can focus on clients, team and revenue. Hiring, promotions, customers, brand and culture stay yours.

How much could we save?

It depends on your team. Buoy CHAMP comes in every plan, with an estimated $47.80 a month in employer FICA savings per enrolled employee (try the CHAMP calculator). Tipped businesses can use Tip+Tax to help staff keep an average of $4,000 to $7,000 more a year. Book a demo to see the numbers for your team.

How hard is it to switch?

You apply online in the Buoy app, and your named navigator drives setup and enrollment with you. Your team then enrolls in benefits themselves, with self-service enrollment.

Do I lose control of my employees with a PEO?

No. You decide who to hire, promote and how your business runs. BuoyPEO handles payroll, taxes, compliance and benefits administration.

Can 1099 contractors use BuoyPEO?

Yes. BuoyPEO removes the traditional 50-employee barrier so solo professionals and contractor networks can access group benefits and workers' comp.

Is Buoy CHAMP included?

Buoy CHAMP, a dedicated insurance advisor and Harbor Shield 125 come standard across BuoyPEO plans.

Ready to hand off HR and payroll?

Build a plan for your team with a Buoy navigator.