Key Takeaways:

  1. Wisconsin offers strong business opportunities with a thriving tourism sector, a strong agriculture industry, and supportive EOR services.
  2. EORs help businesses expand into Wisconsin without establishing a local entity, reducing administrative burdens.
  3. Unlike EORs, PEOs act as co-employers, sharing legal responsibilities with businesses.
  4. Choosing an EOR with strong local expertise prevents compliance risks and legal complications.

Wisconsin has plenty of opportunities for businesses, especially in tourism and agriculture. In 2023, the state’s tourism industry achieved a milestone, generating a $25 billion economic impact which was a 5.4% increase from the previous year. This remarkable growth was driven by 113 million visits, including a record 46 million overnight stays. All 72 counties experienced year-over-year growth, strengthening Wisconsin’s appeal as a travel destination.

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Wisconsin’s economy. In 2023, the state exported $3.87 billion in agricultural and food products to 142 countries, marking the third-highest level on record. Wisconsin also leads the United States in the production of specialty cheeses, ginseng roots, and cranberries.

The state’s 1,200 licensed cheesemakers produce over 600 varieties of cheese, contributing to Wisconsin’s status as the top cheese-producing state, with 3.51 billion pounds produced in 2023. This strong agricultural sector not only supports local farmers but also offers promising avenues for investors seeking growth in food production and export markets.

What Is a Wisconsin Employer of Record?

A Wisconsin EOR company is a third-party organization that legally hires employees on behalf of a business. This means the EOR takes on all employment-related responsibilities, including payroll, taxes, benefits, and compliance with Wisconsin labor laws. For companies looking to expand into Wisconsin without setting up a local entity, an EOR simplifies the process.

What Is the Difference Between a Wisconsin Employer of Record and a Wisconsin PEO?

In Wisconsin, knowing the difference between an Employer of Record (EOR) and a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) can help businesses grow or run more smoothly. An EOR officially hires your employees on paper, handling payroll, taxes, and benefits and making sure your business follows Wisconsin’s job laws. Meanwhile, you stay in charge of daily work and team management. This is a great option for businesses that want to expand into Wisconsin quickly without setting up a new legal company.

A PEO, on the other hand, works as a co-employer, meaning it shares job-related responsibilities with your company. The PEO takes care of payroll and benefits, but both you and the PEO are legally responsible for your employees. Wisconsin has specific business rules and taxes, which can sometimes be confusing.

For example, new employers pay an unemployment tax of 3.05% on the first $14,000 an employee earns if they have a small payroll or 3.25% if their payroll is over $500,000. Working with an EOR or PEO can make it easier to follow the rules and focus on growing your business.

Start hiring with a Wisconsin EOR

Let us handle the complexities of hiring, compliance, and payroll in Wisconsin while you focus on growing your team.

  • Hire employees in Wisconsin with a Wisconsin EOR
  • No local entity is needed
  • Pricing starts at USD 199 per employee
  • Remote People can also help you find the best talent in Wisconsin
Get Your Customized Proposal

Best 5 Employers of Record in Wisconsin

Discover the top five Employer of Record providers in Wisconsin, offering reliable support to help your business grow and stay compliant:

1

Remote People

Remote People EOR (Employer of Record) is a service that allows companies to hire employees in other countries without setting up a local legal entity. Remote People handles compliance, payroll, taxes, and employment laws, enabling businesses to expand globally quickly and legally while focusing on core operations.

Remote People homepage new

Core Features

  • Hire international employees legally without setting up a local entity.
  • Accurate, compliant payroll processing across multiple countries and currencies.
  • Ensures adherence to local labor laws, tax regulations, and employment standards.
  • Supports recruitment, contracts, and smooth onboarding for remote employees.
  • Manages employee benefits, documentation, and ongoing HR support globally.

Pricing Models

Remote People charges $199 per full-time employee per month.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros

Strong Compliance Focus

Places heavy emphasis on local labor law compliance, reducing legal and regulatory risk for international employers.

Localized Expertise

Country-specific knowledge ensures contracts, payroll, and benefits align with local regulations rather than relying on generic templates.

Wide Geographic Coverage

The platform supports hiring across a broad range of countries, making it suitable for companies expanding into multiple regions.

Personalized Support

Provides hands-on guidance and human support, helping businesses navigate complex international hiring requirements more effectively.

  • Cons

Primarily Employee-Focused

The platform is best suited for full-time employment and may be less flexible for businesses focused heavily on contractor-only arrangements.

Pricing Models

Remote People is a reliable Employer of Record solution for companies seeking compliant and supported global hiring without establishing local entities. Its strong focus on local labor laws, personalized support, and wide geographic coverage make it especially suitable for businesses prioritizing compliance and hands-on guidance. While it may offer less automation than larger platforms, it remains a solid choice for steady international expansion.

2

Remote

Remote provides an Employer of Record (EOR) service that simplifies employee hiring for businesses.

Remote homepage

Core Features

  • Remote’s EOR service handles employment tasks, including compliance and payroll.
  • They offer role-specific contracts, protect intellectual property, and handle payroll in local currencies.
  • Their platform makes onboarding, contractor management, and employee relocations more efficient.
  • Additional services, such as tax advice and equity management, are available.

Pricing Models

EOR service for full-time employees costs $599 per month.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros

Supports Global Teams

Remote’s platform allows businesses to manage employees across multiple countries, making it easier to organize team data and ensure consistent operations.

Straightforward Platform

The platform’s intuitive interface provides easy access to essential updates, including employee leave and holiday schedules.

Transparent Costs

Remote offers flat pricing with no hidden fees, making it easier for businesses to plan their budgets and avoid unexpected costs.

Inclusive Hiring

Remote’s free hiring services for refugee talent offer businesses an opportunity to support diversity while filling open positions.

Reliable Support

Customer support is responsive, with options for instant chat and quick email responses.

  • Cons

Limited Payment Options for Contractors

Currently, Remote supports contractor payments only via Wise, Payoneer, or wire transfers.

Slower Onboarding

The onboarding process for full-time employees can take 1-2 weeks, with occasional delays in certain regions due to local processing requirements or time zone differences.

No Hourly Payment Support

The payroll system is only designed for salaried employees.

Basic Reporting Tools

Remote reporting tools are somewhat limited. Users cannot combine multiple data sets into a single report, which means they need to access different sections for each data category.

Verdict

Remote is a reliable EOR solution for payroll, compliance, and HR management, with features like inclusive hiring and transparent pricing. However, the limited payment options for contractors and slower onboarding may be a downside for some businesses.

3

Deel

Deel is an EOR platform designed for managing employees, contractors, and compliance in over 150 countries.

Deel

Core Features

  • Deel’s Employer of Record (EOR) solution helps businesses manage both employees and contractors on a single platform.
  • Small businesses can access a US PEO plan with features like payroll tools, HR analytics, and employee directories.
  • Compliance is ensured with tools like Deel Shield for worker classification and SOC 2-certified data security.
  • The platform also offers a mobile app, IT tools, white-label options, and a reseller program for customized HR management.

Pricing Model

The EOR plan costs $599 per full-time employee per month.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros

Wide Integration Options

Deel integrates smoothly with major accounting and HR software such as Xero, QuickBooks, and BambooHR.

Flexible Payment Options

Deel supports various payment methods, including cryptocurrencies. The Deel Card also adds another layer of flexibility for payments.

AI for HR Support

Deel IQ, an AI-driven chatbot, gives businesses quick and accurate answers to HR-related questions. It can also break down complex cost structures across over 150 countries.

Comprehensive HR Solutions

Deel offers a mix of international payroll, US PEO coverage, and EOR services, making it one of the most comprehensive HR platforms available.

  • Cons

Reputation Concerns

Deel has faced scrutiny for misclassifying contractors as employees to avoid taxes and has operated as an unlicensed PEO in some states.

High Costs

The $599 per employee per month for EOR services is on the expensive side compared to other providers, which may be a concern for smaller businesses or startups with tight budgets.

Verdict

Deel is a strong option for managing teams, offering flexible payroll, advanced HR tools, and AI support. While its pricing and compliance issues may be a downside, it provides a reliable, all-in-one HR solution.

4

Papaya Global

Papaya Global is an EOR company that helps businesses manage employment in Wisconsin.

Papaya Global

Core Features

  • Papaya Global offers payroll management, tax compliance, and benefits administration.
  • It also provides analytics tools for tracking HR metrics, such as employee performance and payroll trends.
  • Employees can view payroll details via a self-service portal.

Pricing Model

Starting at $599 per month for full-time employees.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros

Global Expertise

Papaya Global has in-depth knowledge of labor laws in over 160 countries, making it a reliable choice for companies with a global workforce.

Data Insights

The platform offers powerful analytics tools that help businesses track key HR metrics in real-time, such as employee performance, payroll trends, and workforce distribution across locations.

Award-Winning

Recognized for innovation in HR technology and fintech, Papaya Global has won multiple awards for its advanced approach to managing HR functions.

Automation

By automating payroll processing, tax filings, and compliance checks, the platform reduces the risk of human error, saves time, and ensures consistency in operations.

  • Cons

Higher Costs

The platform’s pricing may be on the higher end, making it less accessible for smaller businesses or startups with tight budgets.

Unexpected Charges

Some users have reported hidden fees, particularly when transitioning from other platforms or adjusting services.

Long-Term Contracts

Papaya Global’s contracts often include a 12-month notice period, which can lock businesses into a long-term commitment.

Verdict

Papaya Global is a solid choice for businesses seeking advanced HR, payroll, and compliance tools. While its higher pricing and long-term contracts may be a challenge for smaller companies, its expertise and automation features make it a strong choice for managing a global workforce.

5

Globalization Partners

Founded in 2012, Globalization Partners (G-P) provides Employer of Record (EOR) services to help businesses expand internationally.

Globalization Partners

Core Features

  • G-P offers a platform for managing your workforce in Luxembourg, including payroll, HR, compliance monitoring, and employee onboarding.
  • The AI-powered Gia tool helps businesses stay current with changing labor laws, simplifying workforce management.

Pricing Model

G-P offers tailored pricing packages, such as Meridian Core, Prime, and Recruit, based on a company’s needs. Pricing details are not available online, and businesses must contact G-P for a quote.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros

Cost-Effective Expansion

G-P helps businesses enter new markets without heavy upfront costs.

24/7 Support

Expert customer support is available around the clock.

Useful Add-Ons

Add-ons like Meridian Recruit and Meridian Contractor integrate well with the EOR platform.

  • Cons

Unclear Pricing

The pricing structure lacks transparency and requires contacting G-P for details.

No Standalone Payroll Option

Businesses with existing subsidiaries may find the lack of a standalone payroll option limiting.

Verdict

Globalization Partners simplifies expansion with a comprehensive platform for payroll, compliance, and HR. While the pricing is not transparent, the strong customer support and useful integrations make G-P a valuable EOR solution for businesses.

How Does a Wisconsin Employer of Record Work?

A Wisconsin EOR partner serves as the official employer for businesses, managing tasks like defining job roles, setting compensation, and handling employment contracts. They also oversee payroll processing, ensuring timely payments, accurate deductions, and proper submission of documents to Wisconsin’s tax authorities.

For instance, Wisconsin’s individual income tax rates range from 3.50% to 7.65%, depending on income and filing status. By managing these responsibilities, the EOR allows businesses to focus on their core operations while ensuring compliance with state regulations.​

How Labor Laws Affect Hiring in Wisconsin?

As of July 1, 2024, Wisconsin maintains a minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, aligning with the federal rate. This rate has remained unchanged since 2009. For tipped employees, employers are required to pay at least $2.33 per hour in wages.

If an employee’s tips combined with this wage do not equal at least $7.25 per hour, the employer must make up the difference. Standard working hours are capped at 40 hours per week, with overtime pay calculated at one and a half times the regular rate required for hours exceeding this limit. 

Regarding leave policies, Wisconsin law mandates that employers with 50 or more permanent employees provide up to six weeks of unpaid family leave for the birth or adoption of a child, provided the leave begins within 16 weeks of the event. Additionally, the Wisconsin Family and Medical Leave Act allows eligible employees to take up to two weeks of unpaid leave per year to care for a child, spouse, parent, or parent-in-law with a serious health condition.

Employers are also required to treat pregnancy-related conditions the same as other temporary disabilities, ensuring that female employees are not denied leave for pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. These labor standards are enforced by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

What Are the Benefits of a Wisconsin Employer of Record?

Partnering with a Wisconsin Employer of Record (EOR) allows businesses to tap into the state’s workforce without establishing a local entity. This approach simplifies expansion by eliminating the stress of setting up a subsidiary.

What Are the Downsides of a Wisconsin EOR?

While partnering with a Wisconsin EOR firm can simplify hiring, the expenses can accumulate quickly, making it a costly option for businesses aiming for sustainable growth. EORs typically charge between $199 and $770 per employee each month, depending on the services provided. Relying on an EOR also means companies have less direct interaction with their local employees, which can hinder the development of strong relationships and complicate daily operations management.

Additionally, businesses must trust the EOR to stay updated with Wisconsin’s labor laws. This reliance can be risky if the provider lacks thorough knowledge of state regulations, especially considering recent changes like the restoration of collective bargaining rights for public workers. Entrusting compliance to an external provider without deep expertise in Wisconsin’s legal requirements may expose companies to unforeseen challenges.

How to Choose a Wisconsin Employer of Record?

When choosing a Wisconsin Employer of Record (EOR) provider, it is important to find one with clear and honest pricing. Some EORs have been known for unclear pricing models, so reading client reviews can give you a good idea of their reliability and service quality. Additionally, a solid grasp of Wisconsin’s labor laws, such as those detailed in Chapter 103 of the Wisconsin Statutes, is essential to ensure compliance with state-specific regulations.

Quick responses from the Wisconsin EOR firm are also important, as delays in addressing questions or handling administrative tasks can negatively affect your business operations. Given Wisconsin’s diverse population, which is approximately 86.4% White, 6.6% Black or African American, 3.3% Asian, and 8.1% Hispanic or Latino, it is also essential that the EOR can effectively communicate in multiple languages.

​Engage a Wisconsin Employer of Record with Remote People

Expanding your business into Wisconsin can be a decisive move, but navigating local regulations can be complicated. Partnering with a trusted Employer of Record (EOR) provider, such as Remote People, connects you with experienced local experts who ensure compliance with Wisconsin’s labor laws and simplify the hiring process.

This collaboration allows your company to focus on core business activities while legal and administrative responsibilities are handled by professionals well-versed in local regulations. Ready to expand into Wisconsin? Contact Remote People today to get started and find the right support for your growth.