Staffing franchise comparison · 2026 FDD data
ApTask vs AtWork
How the ApTask Franchise compares with a 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.
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 first-year check is $1,001, with payroll funding, compliance, technology and the back office included, and no office required.
ApTask vs AtWork, side by side
Amounts in USD.
| ApTask Franchise | AtWork | |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise fee | Franchise fee of 1, plus a 1,000 software fee (first-year check: 1,001) | Personnel 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 split | Minimum 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 funding | Payroll 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. |
| Units | See the ApTask FDD | 83 franchised, 7 company-owned (as of 2025-12-31) |
| Founded / franchising since | Founded 2010 | Founded 1986; franchising since 1992 |
| Headquarters | Iselin, NJ | 3215 W. John Sevier Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920 |
| Industries | IT, professional, healthcare and more | light industrial, light professional, office/clerical, hospitality, Professional: IT, engineering, accounting/finance, marketing/creative, legal, non-clinical medical, scientific, HR, education |
| Office | No office required: run the business from home or anywhere | See the brand’s FDD (Items 7 and 11) |
ApTask vs AtWork: common questions
How much does a 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 first-year check is $1,001: a $1 franchise fee plus a $1,000 software fee covering email, phone, business card and CRM access. 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.
- AtWork FDD 2026 (MN state filing) — MN file 7415
- AtWork FDD 2026 (WI state filing) — File 640602, effective 3/31/2026
- founded 1986; payroll funding and tax processing in-house; verticals — accessed 2026-09-26
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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