Staffing franchise comparison · 2026 FDD data

ApTask vs AtWork

How the ApTask Franchise compares with an AtWork franchise on upfront cost, ongoing fees, payroll funding and support. AtWork figures are quoted from its 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document as filed with state regulators; ApTask figures come from the franchise FAQ: a $1 franchise fee and no software fee, with payroll funding and the back office included.

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The short answer

AtWork's 2026 FDD estimates a total initial investment of $165,000 to $250,000, including its franchise fee. ApTask Franchise has zero startup costs: the franchise fee is $1 with no software fee, and payroll funding, compliance, technology and the back office included, and no office required.

ApTask vs AtWork, side by side

Amounts in USD.

ApTask Franchise compared with AtWork
Comparison criteriaApTask FranchiseAtWork
Franchise fee$1 franchise fee, no software feePersonnel Business $40,000; Professional Business $60,000 (Item 5). A VetFran discount is available.
Total initial investment (USD)Zero startup costs$165,000 – $250,000 (FDD Item 7)
Ongoing fees / revenue splitMinimum gross margins of 18% for C2C / IC placements and 32% for W2 (subject to change per the FDD); margin above the floor shares favorably with the franchisee. Pass-through business: a flat 10% (C2C / IC) or 20% (W2), with margin above that split 50/50.Personnel: 7% of Gross Revenues (10% on full-time placements). Professional: 8% of Gross Revenues (10% on full-time placements). Marketing Fund 0.5% of Gross Revenues, which can rise to 1.0%. Insurance charges are a percentage of temporary payroll, including the greater of actual cost or 2.0% of gross temporary payroll for workers' comp. Invoices aged past 90 days are charged back (Item 6).
Payroll fundingPayroll funding included; ApTask runs the back office (payroll, compliance, technology)Franchisor provides payroll funding. The franchisor site says 'our in-house team provides payroll funding and tax processing.' Item 10 says AtWork offers no direct or indirect financing.
Financial performance (FDD Item 19)Earnings claims are limited to the top two franchisees ($1.5M and $1M a year); results vary and are not typical.CY2025, 63 franchised Personnel offices open the full year: average Gross Revenue $3,658,091 (median $1,842,996); average Gross Profit $640,398 (median $381,900); average gross margin 20.87%. Excludes 14 offices opened in 2025, 6 satellite offices, and 22 offices that closed during 2025.
UnitsSee the ApTask FDD83 franchised, 7 company-owned (as of 2025-12-31)
Founded / franchising sinceFounded 2010Founded 1986; franchising since 1992
HeadquartersIselin, NJ3215 W. John Sevier Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920
IndustriesIT, professional, healthcare and morelight industrial, light professional, office/clerical, hospitality, Professional: IT, engineering, accounting/finance, marketing/creative, legal, non-clinical medical, scientific, HR, education
OfficeNo office required: run the business from home or anywhereSee the brand’s FDD (Items 7 and 11)

ApTask vs AtWork: common questions

How much does an AtWork franchise cost?

AtWork's 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document lists a franchise fee of Personnel Business $40,000; Professional Business $60,000 (Item 5). A VetFran discount is available. and a total initial investment of $165,000 to $250,000 (Item 7).

How much does it cost to start an ApTask Franchise?

ApTask Franchise has zero startup costs. The franchise fee is $1, with no software fee. Payroll funding and the back office are included.

How does AtWork charge its franchisees?

Personnel: 7% of Gross Revenues (10% on full-time placements). Professional: 8% of Gross Revenues (10% on full-time placements). Marketing Fund 0.5% of Gross Revenues, which can rise to 1.0%. Insurance charges are a percentage of temporary payroll, including the greater of actual cost or 2.0% of gross temporary payroll for workers' comp. Invoices aged past 90 days are charged back (Item 6).

Does AtWork fund payroll?

Franchisor provides payroll funding. The franchisor site says 'our in-house team provides payroll funding and tax processing.' Item 10 says AtWork offers no direct or indirect financing.

How many AtWork franchise locations are there?

AtWork's FDD reports 83 franchised, 7 company-owned (as of 2025-12-31) (Item 20).

Does AtWork publish financial performance (Item 19)?

Yes. CY2025, 63 franchised Personnel offices open the full year: average Gross Revenue $3,658,091 (median $1,842,996); average Gross Profit $640,398 (median $381,900); average gross margin 20.87%. Excludes 14 offices opened in 2025, 6 satellite offices, and 22 offices that closed during 2025.

Where can I read the AtWork FDD?

Filed copies are public in these state franchise databases: MN, WI. Links are in the Sources section of this page. Always review the current FDD with your own counsel before investing.

Sources

AtWork facts are quoted from its Franchise Disclosure Document and state regulator filings, accessed 2026-09-26. Franchise terms change every year; read the current FDD before making any decision.

ApTask is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by AtWork Franchise, Inc. (Tennessee corporation). AtWork is a trademark of its owner and is used here only to identify it. This page compares publicly filed disclosure data and is not an offer to sell a franchise; an offer is made only by Franchise Disclosure Document.

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