We regularly survey BuyerZone users to ask how their purchases went. We've used their responses to provide a sampling of actual prices paid for employee retirement plans.

• Plans for 1-9 employees
• Plans for 10 or more employees

Costs of employee retirement plans vary based on the number of employees you have, the types of services you require, and the assets invested. Expect fees for the initial setup, the written plan document, record keeping, and year-end statements. You may also be charged a fee for each employee that participates in the plan.

Many retirement plan providers offer variations of the popular 401k plan for small businesses. These plans feature lower setup fees and administration costs, but offer fewer investment options.

In addition, certain types of 401k plans can help you comply with IRS regulations that are designed to ensure that all employees contribute equally to the plan, regardless of income. Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) require little to no administration and cost less to start up than 401k plans, but feature lower plan limits, fewer investment choices, and tighter restrictions.

Plans for 1-9 employees

"401k plan for $500 per year and $20 per participant."
-- Human Resources, Jericho, New York

"$1,500 set up fee plus $85/month administrative fees."
-- Health Care CEO, Alpharetta, Georgia

"$500 plus $1,300 annual fee."
-- Health Care Office Manager, Fairborn, Ohio

"$90 set-up fee and $15/month to administer."
-- Trucking Owner, Illinois City, Illinois

"$115/month for 401k administration and payroll for four employees (plus one time $1,500 setup fee)."
-- Consultant, Brunswick, Georgia

"About $1,200 including set up of plan, per participant fees, record keeping fees, and end of year statements."
-- HR Manager, Atlanta, Georgia

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Plans for 10 or more employees

"$1,350 admin and $5 per participant - integrated service due to doing payroll." [10 employees]
-- Engineering Office Manager, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

"$1,400 a year." [14 employees]
-- Health Care Administrator, Portland, Oregon

"$1,000 per year." [20 employees]
-- Health Care CFO, Cleveland, Ohio

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Want more information on choosing an employee retirement plans? Read our Employee Retirement Plans Buyer's Guide.

Information was provided by BuyerZone users. Quotes have been edited for clarity only.