How Much Does an Employee Handbook Cost? (2026 Pricing Guide)

Introduction

If you are creating or updating an employee handbook, one of the first questions you will ask is:

“How much does an employee handbook cost?”

The answer varies widely depending on how the handbook is created. Some businesses spend thousands of dollars working with attorneys, while others use templates or modern AI tools at a fraction of the price.

This guide explains the real costs in 2026 and helps you determine the most practical option for your business.

Typical Employee Handbook Cost Ranges

1. Employment Attorney Drafted Handbook

Typical cost: $2,000 – $8,000+

Working with an employment attorney provides the highest level of legal customization, but it is also the most expensive option. This route is usually chosen by large companies or organizations with highly complex compliance needs.

Pros:

• Fully customized policies

• Legal review and compliance guidance

Cons:

• Expensive

• Slow turnaround (weeks or months)

• Often requires additional update fees

2. HR Consultant-Created Handbook

Typical cost: $1,000 – $4,000

HR consultants offer a middle-tier option. They typically adapt a base template to your company policies and provide some customization.

Pros:

• Professional input

• Moderate customization

Cons:

• Still relatively expensive for small businesses

• Updates often require additional consulting fees

3. Purchased Handbook Templates

Typical cost: $50 – $300

Templates are the lowest upfront cost, but they require significant manual editing. Many businesses underestimate the time required to adjust templates for state-specific compliance requirements.

Pros:

• Low upfront price

• Immediate download

Cons:

• Requires manual customization

• Risk of outdated or incorrect policies

• No automated updates

4. AI-Generated Handbook Platforms

Typical cost: $29 – $99 per month

AI-driven handbook platforms are becoming the most practical option for small and mid-size businesses. These systems generate customized handbooks based on company size, location, and policies, while also allowing updates as regulations change.

Pros:

• Low monthly cost

• Fast generation (minutes instead of weeks)

• Easy updates when laws change

• State-aware templates

Cons:

• Less legal customization than attorney-built handbooks (for very large enterprises)

What Most Small Businesses Actually Choose

For companies with 5–100 employees, the most common modern approach is:

• AI-generated or guided handbook platform

• Annual updates included

• Subscription pricing typically under $100/month

This approach provides a balance between affordability, compliance support, and flexibility as the business grows.

Hidden Costs Many Businesses Forget

When comparing options, consider these additional factors:

• Update fees when policies change

• Time spent manually editing templates

• Compliance risk from outdated policies

• Internal staff time required for revisions

A lower upfront price does not always mean a lower total cost over time.

Final Takeaway

Employee handbook pricing ranges from under $100 to several thousand dollars, depending on how the handbook is created.

For most small businesses, modern handbook-generation platforms provide the most cost-effective solution because they combine customization, compliance awareness, and easy updates without the large upfront legal expense.