February 12, 2026
If you've ever tried to compare Managed IT pricing, you've
probably noticed something odd: most companies don't tell you what their
services actually cost. Instead, you get vague phrases like "custom pricing"
or "contact sales," which doesn't help you plan your budget—or decide if
a provider is truly the right fit.
At ET & T, small businesses deserve clarity. As a
family- and women-owned technology partner serving the Lehigh Valley since
1968, our goal is simple: make IT easy to understand and even easier to trust.
This guide discusses what Managed IT services typically cost
in our region, which factors influence your price, and how to evaluate which
level of support your business actually needs.
The Problem: Small Businesses Are Left Guessing About IT Costs
When business owners come to us, they often say the same
things:
- "I
have no idea what IT support is supposed to cost."
- "My
current provider keeps charging extra for everything."
- "I'm
paying a lot, but I don't know what I'm getting."
That guesswork leads to overspending, surprise invoices, or
being trapped in a contract with slow response times and minimal proactive
support.
Just as phone system costs can be confusing and full of
hidden add-ons, IT pricing can feel equally unpredictable. That's why a clear,
honest breakdown matters.
What Managed IT Services Typically Cost in the Lehigh Valley
Managed IT pricing in our region generally falls into three
categories:
- Per-user
pricing (most common)
- Per-device
pricing (less common)
- Flat-rate
service bundles
Below is a realistic overview of what small and midsize
businesses typically pay.
Average Lehigh Valley Managed IT Pricing
Most small businesses pay between $125 and $225 per user per
month.
Your exact price depends on:
- Number
of employees and devices
- Level
of cybersecurity required
- Industry
compliance needs
- Whether
you need onsite support
- How
outdated are your current systems are
Let's break these down.
1. Basic Managed IT Support (Low Complexity)
Typical Cost: $100-$150 per user per month
Best for:
- Small
offices (5-15 employees)
- Businesses
without specialized software
- Organizations
with simple networks
Includes basics such as:
- Help
desk support
- Device
patching
- Antivirus
- Basic
monitoring
For businesses that only need someone to "keep things
running," this tier is common—but it often lacks a proactive strategy.
2. Standard Managed IT Services (Most Popular)
Typical Cost: $150-$200 per user per month
This level is ideal for most Lehigh Valley organizations,
including family-owned businesses, medical practices, nonprofits, construction
firms, and borough/township offices.
Includes:
- All
basic support services
- 24/7
monitoring
- Advanced
security tools
- Managed
cloud services
- Regular
Technology Business Reviews (a major benefit of ET&T's process)
- Strategic
planning for upgrades
This is the pricing category where long-term value is
highest because it prevents downtime and reduces surprise expenses.
3. Compliance-Driven or High-Security Managed IT
Typical Cost: $200-$300+ per user per month
Designed for:
- Healthcare
(HIPAA)
- Financial
services
- Municipal
government
- Organizations
with strict audit requirements
- Companies
with sensitive data or high cyber risk
Includes:
- Advanced
cybersecurity monitoring
- Multifactor
authentication
- Compliance
reporting
- Encrypted
backups (tested regularly)
- Customized
disaster recovery plans
This tier keeps regulated industries protected and
audit-ready.
Other Cost Factors to Consider
1. Onsite Support
Some MSPs charge extra for onsite visits.
At ET & T, we include onsite support in our structured
IT service delivery process because consistency builds trust.
2. Hardware & Licensing
Your costs may include:
- Servers
or cloud infrastructure
- Firewalls
- Laptops
or desktops
- Software
licensing
3. Cybersecurity Add-Ons
Some providers charge extra for essential security tools.
Others include them.
If your quote feels too low, make sure it actually includes:
- Backups
- Endpoint
protection
- Email
filtering
- Network
monitoring
4. Hidden Fees to Watch Out For
Be cautious of:
- Hourly
overage charges
- Extra
billing for after-hours support
- Fees
for basic documentation
- Paying
per-ticket or per-task
Transparency matters—confusing invoices are a top sign that
you need to leave an IT provider.
What You Really Get for the Cost
You're not just paying for IT, you're paying for outcomes
that protect your team, your time, and your business.
With the right Managed IT partner, you gain:
- Reliable,
fast support (ET&T guarantees 15-minute response times)
- Fewer
disruptions and reduced downtime
- Stronger
cybersecurity
- Predictable
budgeting
- Clear
communication and a trusted partner who explains things without jargon
This relief is why local organizations—from nonprofits to
state agencies to family-owned businesses—choose ET&T.
What Managed IT Services Cost in the Lehigh Valley
Here's the simple version:
- $100-$150/user:
Basic support
- $150-$200/user:
Standard support (most common)
- $200-$300+/user:
High-security or compliance-driven IT
Your pricing depends on your size, industry, compliance
needs, and the level of proactivity you want from your IT team.
For businesses that want a partner—not just a help
desk—ET&T's structured, friendly, and local support model offers dependable
value backed by more than 56 years of experience in the Lehigh Valley.
Want a Custom Cost Estimate
for Your Organization?
Your business is unique—and your IT plan should be too. Our
team can walk you through options, pricing, and next steps with zero sales
pressure.
Click Here or give us a call at 610-628-2461 to Book a FREE IT Clarity Call