It is a question many Quebec SMB leaders ask: is it better to hire an in-house technician or sign with a managed IT services provider (MSP)?
The answer depends on your size, needs and risk tolerance. Here is an honest analysis of both options.
The true cost of an in-house technician
When discussing an IT technician’s salary, we often think of the gross figure. But the true cost is much higher:
| Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Gross salary (junior technician, Montreal) | $55,000 – $70,000/year |
| Employer contributions (~20%) | $11,000 – $14,000/year |
| Benefits | $3,000 – $8,000/year |
| Training and certifications | $2,000 – $5,000/year |
| Management tools and licenses | $3,000 – $6,000/year |
| Total | $74,000 – $103,000/year |
And this does not account for vacation, sick leave or departure — during which you have no IT support.
The limits of a single technician
Even the best technician cannot do everything. A single employee means:
- A single area of expertise: It is difficult to be an expert in cybersecurity, cloud, networking and user support all at once.
- A single point of failure: Vacation, illness, departure — and your IT is unmonitored.
- Limited perspective: Without a team or formal processes, documentation and standardization are often neglected.
The advantages of managed services for SMBs
A good MSP offers:
- A team, not an individual: Multiple technicians with complementary specializations.
- Professional tools: 24/7 monitoring, remote management, enterprise-grade security tools.
- Fixed, predictable pricing: No surprises in your IT budget.
- Continuity: Even if your assigned technician is absent, service continues.
- Documentation: Your systems are documented, your credentials belong to you.
When does the in-house model make more sense?
There are situations where an internal employee makes more sense:
- You have more than 75–100 employees and a very high volume of IT requests
- Your systems are highly specialized (custom software, industrial equipment)
- You have security requirements that demand permanent physical access
For the majority of SMBs with 5 to 50 employees, these conditions do not apply.
Conclusion
For an SMB looking to protect its systems, control costs and stay compliant, managed IT services generally offer better value than a full-time employee. The key is to choose a trusted partner, with a clear contract and no unfair exit fees.
Want to compare options for your situation? Contact us for a free audit of your current IT environment.