Managed IT for a 20-person engineering firm in Houston typically costs between $100 and $350 per seat per month, depending on the level of support and security included. At the lower end ($100-$150/seat), you're usually getting remote-only, business-hours support with basic security. At the higher end ($250-$350/seat), you're getting onsite/in-shop support that includes network equipment, extended or 24/7 coverage, a full security stack, and compliance support.
Here's what actually drives that price range and what a 20-person engineering firm should realistically budget for:
Remote vs. Onsite/In-Shop Support
This is how support is delivered. Remote-only support (troubleshooting, monitoring, and fixes handled without anyone coming to your office) is the most affordable option. Onsite and in-shop support is where someone is physically at your office for hardware issues, or bringing equipment to the I.T. providers office for repair, costs more because it requires dedicated technician time and travel. Engineering firms with high-performance workstations, large monitors, plotters, and networking equipment often need at least some onsite support built into their plan.
Business Hours vs. Extended/24-7 Coverage
If a server goes down at 6 p.m. or over a holiday weekend, what happens? For firms on business-hours-only support, the answer is usually "wait until morning." For firms with extended or 24/7 coverage, someone is monitoring and responding around the clock. Extended coverage costs more, but for firms with tight project deadlines, out-of-town clients, or remote teams working odd hours, it often pays for itself the first time it prevents a missed submittal.
Basic Security vs. Full Security Stack
Not all "security" is the same. Basic security might mean antivirus software and a standard firewall. A full security stack includes advanced ransomware protection, continuous monitoring, automated backup and disaster recovery, and email monitoring to prevent business email compromise, which the FBI reports $3 billion is lost to this in a single year. Given that engineering firms store irreplaceable project files, client data, and proprietary designs, the full stack is worth strong consideration even if it pushes you toward the higher end of the price range.
Compliance Requirements
Some engineering firms have client contracts or industry requirements that dictate specific data handling, security, or documentation standards. If your firm needs to meet compliance requirements, expect that to add cost but also expect it to be non-negotiable if a client contract requires it.
What a Typical 20-Person Engineering Firm Should Budget For
Most 20-person AEC firms working with CAD, BIM, or large project files land in the middle-to-upper range of $150-$250/seat/month. This typically covers:
- Remote support with onsite availability
- Extended business-hours coverage
- A full security stack (ransomware protection, monitoring, data backup)
- Vendor liaison support for your design software providers
A Real-World Example
A small firm in Houston initially chose our mid-range plan. As business continued to grow and the owners noticed they were working more from home after-hours, they decided to upgrade to extended-hours coverage. The added coverage meant after-hours and holiday issues were resolved instead of sitting unaddressed for 24 to 48+ hours which improved their efficiency and helped excel their business growth as they opened 2 more sister companies.
Why Houston Firms Choose Alexaur
- Dell & Lenovo Partner
- Managed Protection Security Suite Associate Accreditation
- MSP Pro
- Keeper Sales Professional
- Network+ Certified
- SonicWall Partner & Certifications
- 100% local Houston team, serving firms since 2001
- 98% of support tickets resolved on the first call
- Tech's are onsite at your office 2-4x per month to ensure the team's efficiency, continuity and up-time
Not sure which tier fits your firm? Click here to schedule a 15-minute call with Alexaur for a straightforward conversation about what your firm actually needs. No upsell, just the right fit.
