For companies with 20–100 employees, the decision usually comes down to scale, complexity, and budget.
Understanding when to hire internally — and when an MSP still makes more sense — helps companies avoid unnecessary overhead.
When Internal IT Makes Sense
Internal IT typically becomes necessary when:
- Employee count exceeds 120–150 users
- Multiple locations require constant on-site support
- Complex infrastructure demands daily oversight
When Managed IT Remains the Better Option
For most construction firms between 20–100 employees, managed IT offers advantages:
- Lower cost
- Broader expertise
- 24/7 monitoring
- Security compliance support
Response time is also critical on active jobsites. Construction leaders should understand how fast IT support should respond for active construction jobsites.
Not sure where you stand? We help construction companies identify IT risks, insurance gaps, and jobsite issues before they become problems.
Cost Comparison
Average annual costs:
Internal IT Manager
$90k–$140k salary + benefits
Managed IT Provider
$125–$175 per user per month
Many leadership teams evaluate staffing after reviewing the differences between break/fix IT and managed IT for construction companies.
Hybrid Models
Some companies eventually adopt hybrid models:
- Internal IT coordinator
- External MSP infrastructure management
Real Example
A GC with 73 employees considered hiring internal IT but discovered the MSP model provided deeper security expertise at a lower cost.
Final Takeaway
Most construction companies benefit from managed IT until they reach larger operational scale.
Talk to a Construction IT Expert
If you’re a general contractor or subcontractor with 20–100 employees and want to understand your real IT risks, costs, or gaps, talk to an expert who specializes in construction environments.
No pressure. Just clear answers.