How to Build Your Own Justworks
Replace Justworks with a custom build. Payroll, HR, and Benefits for Modern Businesses
Build Difficulty: 4/5
A few focused days to build a solid replacement
Estimated Timeline
Based on 40 features at Few Days difficulty, expect about 3-5 days with AI-assisted development.
Recommended Tech Stack
Full-stack React framework with API routes and server components
PostgreSQL database, auth, and real-time subscriptions
Utility-first styling for rapid UI development
Type-safe ORM for complex relational data models
Key Features to Replicate
Top features across 8 categories. See all 40 features
HR Management(9 features)
Recruitment and job candidate tracking system.
1099 contractor onboarding, management, and payments.
Secure storage and management of employee documents and records.
Centralized employee information management and organizational structure.
Digital employee handbook distribution and acknowledgment tracking.
+4 more in this category
Payroll(7 features)
Automated payroll processing with tax compliance and direct deposit management.
Pre-tax and post-tax deduction setup and calculation.
Easy employee direct deposit account management and routing.
Automated wage garnishment and child support order processing.
Complete historical payroll records and audit trails.
+2 more in this category
Benefits(5 features)
401(k) plan setup, compliance, and investment management.
Health insurance, 401(k), and benefits enrollment and management.
Open enrollment management with decision support tools.
Integrated health insurance shopping and plan comparison.
Workers compensation insurance management and claims tracking.
Compliance(5 features)
Detailed audit trails and compliance audit reports.
Proactive alerts for compliance deadlines and regulatory changes.
Access to compliance resources and regulatory updates.
Support for multi-state payroll and compliance requirements.
Automatic tax filing and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Security(3 features)
End-to-end encryption for all payroll and employee data.
Granular role-based permissions and access controls.
Single sign-on support via SAML for enterprise security.
Data Management(2 features)
Automatic data backup with disaster recovery capabilities.
Export payroll and HR data in multiple formats.
Support(2 features)
Human support team for benefits guidance and enrollment assistance.
Expert HR and compliance consulting services for specific issues.
Accessibility(1 features)
Mobile access to payroll, benefits, and HR information.
Cost Calculator
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Build It Yourself
Total Cost Comparison
DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 40 features at easy complexity.