Staffing franchise comparison · 2026 FDD data

ApTask vs Express Employment Professionals

How the ApTask Franchise compares with an Express Employment Professionals franchise on upfront cost, ongoing fees, payroll funding and support. Express Employment Professionals 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.

Book a discovery callHow ApTask Franchise works

The short answer

Express Employment Professionals's 2026 FDD estimates a total initial investment of $131,000 to $287,700, 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 Express Employment Professionals, side by side

Amounts in USD.

ApTask Franchise compared with Express Employment Professionals
Comparison criteriaApTask FranchiseExpress Employment Professionals
Franchise fee$1 franchise fee, no software fee$40,000 per Authorized Occupations Addendum (Core, Professional or Healthcare). 25% discount on a second addendum (Item 5). The franchisor site lists a 50% veteran discount ($20,000).
Total initial investment (USD)Zero startup costs$131,000 – $287,700 (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.Gross-margin split. For Core Occupations, Express keeps 40% of Core Occupations Gross Margin and remits 60% to the franchisee monthly on the 25th. A minimum monthly gross margin per client account applies (currently 10% or $1.75/hour). Other fees: 0.054% of gross associate payroll to a Claim/Indemnity Plan, and a joint 1% of Gross Margin advertising fund to which Express also contributes its 40% share (Item 6).
Payroll fundingPayroll funding included; ApTask runs the back office (payroll, compliance, technology)Franchisor provides payroll. Item 1 says 'We provide payroll services to our franchisees with respect to the Associates.' Approved franchisees may opt out through an Independent Payroll Program (Payroll Addendum), using an approved payroll company.
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.Table 2, franchise units open more than 24 months, FY2025: 526 units, average annual sales $5,342,686, median $4,043,021 (FY2024 average $5,380,571; FY2023 $5,951,124). Table 1 shows month-by-month results for units opened FY2023-FY2025. The franchisor site reports first-year offices averaging $999,949.
UnitsSee the ApTask FDD758 franchised, 7 company-owned (as of 2025-12-31)
Founded / franchising sinceFounded 2010Founded 1983; franchising since 1985
HeadquartersIselin, NJ9701 Boardwalk Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73162
IndustriesIT, professional, healthcare and morelight industrial / commercial (Core Occupations), office/administrative, professional (Specialized Recruiting Group), healthcare (Express Healthcare Staffing), temporary, contract and direct hire
OfficeNo office required: run the business from home or anywhereSee the brand’s FDD (Items 7 and 11)

ApTask vs Express Employment Professionals: common questions

How much does an Express Employment Professionals franchise cost?

Express Employment Professionals's 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document lists a franchise fee of $40,000 per Authorized Occupations Addendum (Core, Professional or Healthcare). 25% discount on a second addendum (Item 5). The franchisor site lists a 50% veteran discount ($20,000). and a total initial investment of $131,000 to $287,700 (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 Express Employment Professionals charge its franchisees?

Gross-margin split. For Core Occupations, Express keeps 40% of Core Occupations Gross Margin and remits 60% to the franchisee monthly on the 25th. A minimum monthly gross margin per client account applies (currently 10% or $1.75/hour). Other fees: 0.054% of gross associate payroll to a Claim/Indemnity Plan, and a joint 1% of Gross Margin advertising fund to which Express also contributes its 40% share (Item 6).

Does Express Employment Professionals fund payroll?

Franchisor provides payroll. Item 1 says 'We provide payroll services to our franchisees with respect to the Associates.' Approved franchisees may opt out through an Independent Payroll Program (Payroll Addendum), using an approved payroll company.

How many Express Employment Professionals franchise locations are there?

Express Employment Professionals's FDD reports 758 franchised, 7 company-owned (as of 2025-12-31) (Item 20).

Does Express Employment Professionals publish financial performance (Item 19)?

Yes. Table 2, franchise units open more than 24 months, FY2025: 526 units, average annual sales $5,342,686, median $4,043,021 (FY2024 average $5,380,571; FY2023 $5,951,124). Table 1 shows month-by-month results for units opened FY2023-FY2025. The franchisor site reports first-year offices averaging $999,949.

Where can I read the Express Employment Professionals FDD?

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

Sources

Express Employment Professionals 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 Express Services, Inc. (Colorado corporation). Affiliate Alamo Franchise Services, LLC owns the marks and licenses them to Express Services.. Express Employment Professionals 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.

Compare ApTask with other staffing franchises

See the full staffing franchise comparison.

Own a staffing business without the startup cost.

Book a free, confidential discovery call to walk through the ApTask Franchise model and FDD.

Book a discovery callContact us