Average Cost of IT Support for Small Businesses in Los Angeles, CA

May 30, 2024
Angela Kuzmanoska
Consultancy, Security

How much does IT support cost for a small business

The cost of IT support for small business depends on several factors, namely the company’s size, the range of services you need, your specific requirements, location, and the IT support model you will choose.

As a small business, you have to make sure your processes are optimized to remain competitive in today’s digital market. Part of this is having IT support that will enable a continuous flow of work and ensure the integrity of your IT infrastructure. However, with the costs of IT support increasing, many small businesses wonder what type of IT support fits their business and budget. What model should you pick? Should you outsource it, hire in-house IT support, or get managed IT services?

This article covers all of that and more. Keep reading to find out.

Contact ASi Networks today to learn more about our comprehensive IT support solutions tailored to your needs.

8 Reasons Why Small Businesses Should Outsource IT Support

Outsourcing IT support for small businesses offers numerous advantages. Here are eight compelling reasons to consider it:

Cost-effective: Save on salaries, benefits, and training expenses compared to hiring in-house staff.
Expert access: Benefit from a team of skilled IT professionals with diverse technological expertise.
Focus on core functions: Concentrate on strategic initiatives while leaving technical concerns to experts.
Enhanced security: Robust security measures protect against cyber threats and ensure data safety.
Operational continuity: Maintain uninterrupted operations with effective risk management, avoiding disruptions from vacations or turnover.
Scalability: Easily adjust IT services to match your evolving business needs.
24/7 support: Enjoy round-the-clock assistance for uninterrupted operations, a service not always provided by all managed IT providers.
Continuous development: Our co-managed IT services offer ongoing staff development through collaboration with our specialists.

6 Factors Influencing the Cost of IT Support for Small Business

Several factors affect small business IT support costs and will help you plan and budget for this expense:

The company’s size, including the number of employees and devices, impacts the complexity and scale of IT support, influencing overall costs.
The range of IT support services, such as network management, cybersecurity, cloud solutions, and software upgrades, affects the total cost.
Service Level Agreements (SLAs) define the expected level of service and response time, with higher or faster service levels potentially incurring additional costs.
The location also influences the cost of IT support for small business due to the varying regional and local market conditions, including supply and demand.
If your business has industry-specific IT requirements, compliance regulations, and security standards, this can influence pricing.
Looking for immediate response and 24/7 availability may result in higher costs than standard business hours support.

What’s the Average Cost of IT Support for Small Businesses in California?

The average cost of IT support for small businesses in California can vary widely based on the factors mentioned above, like company size, industry requirements, and the specific IT support model you will use. To provide a clearer understanding of what you can expect to pay for IT support, below we will break down the various models of IT support available and their average costs.

In-House IT Support Costs for Small Business

Benefits of In-House IT Support:

Immediate access and on-site presence: An in-house IT team provides immediate access to support whenever an issue appears. The support team can physically assess the problem and provide real-time solutions, reducing downtime and wait time.

In-depth knowledge: In-house IT professionals have a deeper understanding of the company’s systems and processes, which allows for more efficient troubleshooting and tailored solutions.

Downsides of In-House IT Support:

Higher costs: Hiring in-house IT staff involves significant expenses, including salaries, benefits, and training costs. These financial commitments can be substantial, especially for small businesses with limited budgets.

Limited expertise: Because they specialize in your company niche, an in-house IT support team may lack the diverse skill sets and specialized knowledge available through IT support firms. This limits their ability to address technical issues that fall outside of their area of knowledge.

Dependency: Relying on a small IT team can be risky for the company. If key staff members leave or are unavailable, it can lead to service disruptions and knowledge gaps.

You Should Choose In-House IT Support for Your Small Business If You:

Require constant on-site IT presence, which would make ad-hoc IT support cost more than having an in-house team.
Have very specialized, industry-specific technology and compliance needs.

Average Cost of Hiring In-House IT Support in California:

Salaries: Salaries in California for 2024 range from $48,000 to $75,000 per year, depending on the level of specialization and experience.
Additional costs: You may need to provide additional benefits, training, and equipment to the IT professionals, which adds to the average cost of IT support for small business.
Team size: If you need to hire more than one person to cover different IT areas, this will further increase expenses.

Ad-Hoc IT Support Costs for Small Business (Per Hour and Per Incident)

Benefits of Ad-Hoc IT Support:

Flexibility: Ad-hoc IT support offers the flexibility to address specific problems as they appear without the need for ongoing contracts.

Cost-effective for sporadic needs: This model is more economical for businesses with occasional IT issues since you’re avoiding the continuous expense of a dedicated IT team.

No long-term commitments: You only pay for services you need, which is ideal for managing unpredictable or infrequent IT requirements.

Downsides of Ad-Hoc IT Support:

No continuous monitoring: Without regular monitoring, potential issues may go unnoticed until they cause a problem.

Higher hourly rates: The cost per hour or incident is usually higher than a regular retainer or managed services.

Limited availability: Ad-hoc IT support is not available 24/7, which may be an issue if an emergency appears or you need help during peak times.

You Should Choose Ad-Hoc IT Support for Your Small Business If You:

Have occasional IT issues or needs.
Operate on a tight budget.
Have unpredictable or seasonal IT requirements.

Average Cost of Ad-Hoc IT Support in California in 2024:

Per hour: $100 to $250.
Per incident: $150 to $400.

Cost of IT Support for Small Business: Monthly and Annual Retainers

Benefits of Retainer IT Support:

Proactive and preventive: Retainer services include regular system checks and maintenance, which can help prevent issues before they escalate.

Predictable costs: Retainer agreements provide a consistent monthly or annual fee, making it easier to budget for IT expenses.

Priority response times and dedicated support: Clients on a retainer often receive priority service and faster response times.

Downsides of Retainer IT Support:

Higher upfront costs: Retainer agreements can be more expensive initially due to the commitment to ongoing services.

May involve a contract commitment: The contract may bind you to use the retainer services for a specified period.

Overpayment risk: If you don’t fully use the included services, you may end up paying for more than you need.

You Should Choose Retainer IT Support for Your Small Business If You:

Prioritize proactive maintenance and stability.
Value predictable expenses.
Require consistent, ongoing IT support.

Average Cost of Retainer IT Support in 2024, California:

Monthly: $1,000 to $5,000.
Annual: $10,000 to $50,000.

Cost of Managed IT Support Services for Small Business

Benefits of Managed IT Support:

Proactive monitoring: Managed services provide continuous monitoring to detect and address potential problems before they cause any disruptions.

Comprehensive IT solution: This model offers a full suite of IT services, covering everything from cybersecurity to network management.

Expert support: Managed IT services provide access to a broad range of expertise without hiring multiple specialists.

Downsides of Managed IT Support:

Overpayment risk: Your business may pay for services you don’t fully need or use.

Contract commitment: Managed services often require a commitment to a contract, which might be restrictive for some small businesses.

You Should Choose Managed IT Support for Your Small Business If You:

Need an end-to-end IT solution.
Require proactive problem resolution.
Have business growth and scalability considerations.
Value 24/7 monitoring and immediate response.
Prioritize a strategic, long-term IT partnership.

Average Cost of Managed IT Support 2024, California:

Monthly: $1,500 to $5,000.

**Costs depend on the scope of services, business size, and the required support level.

At ASi Networks, we offer tailored managed and co-managed IT support services that meet the unique needs of small businesses. We provide comprehensive support, proactive monitoring, and access to a team of specialized experts, ensuring your IT infrastructure is strong, secure, and capable of supporting your business growth.

Keep reading to learn more about how our services can benefit your business and help you achieve your goals.

ASi Networks’ Managed and Co-Managed IT Support Services

Our solutions ensure operational efficiency, security, and continuous improvement. Here’s a detailed look at our offerings:

ASi’s Flagship IT Support — “Support Plus” Plan

Our flagship “Support Plus” plan provides a full spectrum of IT support, enabling you to focus on your core functions while we handle all your IT needs.

Outsourcing: By outsourcing IT support, you can concentrate on your growth and operational goals without being bogged down by technical issues.
24/7 management & monitoring: We offer around-the-clock management and monitoring of workstations, servers, and network devices to ensure smooth and uninterrupted operations.
24/7 in-house helpdesk: Our helpdesk is available 24/7 to assist end users with any IT-related issues, ensuring quick resolution and minimal downtime.
Basic security bundle: Our plan includes a basic security bundle to protect your systems from common cyber threats.
Data backup & disaster recovery: We provide comprehensive data backup solutions and disaster recovery plans to ensure your business can quickly recover from data loss or system failures.
Quarterly business reviews: Regular business reviews help us align our IT strategies with your business goals and identify areas for improvement.
On-site visits: Our engineers conduct regular on-site visits to address any issues and ensure optimal performance of your IT infrastructure.

Co-Managed Solutions

Our co-managed solutions complement your internal IT team, allowing them to focus on strategic initiatives while we take care of day-to-day IT management and maintenance.

Strategic growth: By partnering with us, your internal IT staff can dedicate their time to driving business growth and innovation instead of getting bogged down by routine IT tasks.
Critical IT infrastructure maintenance: We monitor and maintain your critical IT infrastructure, ensuring it runs efficiently and securely.

Advanced Security Bundle

In addition to our basic security measures, we offer an advanced security bundle for businesses that require a more specialized cybersecurity approach.

Layered cybersecurity approach: Our advanced security bundle builds upon the standard security measures, providing multiple layers of protection to safeguard your business against sophisticated cyber threats.

Healthcare IT Service

This plan is tailored to the unique needs of healthcare institutions, focusing on IT support that ensures an uninterrupted operation while protecting the integrity of patient data.

Maximize Efficiency and Security with ASi Networks’ IT Solutions

Outsourcing your IT support can significantly benefit your small business, from cost savings to enhanced security and operational efficiency.

The experienced team here at ASi Networks can help you with the following:

We provide custom solutions tailored to your business needs. Contact us today for a free assessment and custom quote.