Results
Enter all values to see results. The calculator needs JavaScript; the formulas below work by hand.
- On-site monthly labor
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- Remote monthly cost
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- Hybrid monthly cost
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- Difference: on-site minus remote
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- Difference: on-site minus hybrid
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Formulas
A month is treated as 52 weeks ÷ 12 months (≈ 4.333 weeks).
- On-site = on-site hourly wage × on-site hours per week per facility × number of facilities × 52 ÷ 12
- Remote = remote hourly wage × remote staff hours per week × 52 ÷ 12 + monthly software and access-control cost
- Hybrid = remote cost + (on-site hourly wage × hybrid on-site hours per week per facility × number of facilities × 52 ÷ 12)
- Difference = on-site − remote, and on-site − hybrid. A positive number means the remote or hybrid model costs less per month.
The on-site figure covers wages only. Payroll taxes, benefits, overtime and software you already pay for are not included; add them to the wage or cost inputs if you want them counted.
How to use the calculator
The calculator compares three ways of staffing your self storage facilities. It uses only the numbers you type in. Nothing is pre-filled, and no industry averages are assumed.
- Start with today's on-site cost. Enter the hourly wage you pay on-site staff and the hours each facility is staffed per week. Enter how many facilities share this pattern.
- Describe the remote model. Enter the weekly hours your remote team would work across the whole portfolio, not per facility. Enter their hourly wage.
- Add software and access-control costs. Use the monthly total for the whole portfolio. Include only costs that are new or would change under remote management.
- Describe the hybrid model. Enter the on-site hours per facility per week you would keep alongside the remote team. Enter 0 if you are not considering hybrid.
- Read the differences. A positive difference means the remote or hybrid model costs less per month than on-site staffing. A negative one means it costs more.
If your facilities have different staffing hours, run the calculator once per group and add the results. If you want payroll taxes or benefits counted, raise the wage input to your fully loaded hourly cost.
For local wage data, the Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes occupational wage estimates by state and metropolitan area.[1] Your own payroll records are a better input when you have them.
Worked example
These are example numbers only. They are not typical or industry figures. Replace every one with your own.
| Input | Example value |
|---|---|
| On-site hourly wage | $18.00 |
| On-site hours per week, per facility | 40 |
| Number of facilities | 2 |
| Remote staff hours per week (whole portfolio) | 30 |
| Remote hourly wage | $20.00 |
| Monthly software and access-control cost | $600 |
| Hybrid on-site hours per week, per facility | 10 |
- Example on-site: $18 × 40 × 2 = $1,440 per week. Times 52 ÷ 12 gives $6,240 per month.
- Example remote: $20 × 30 = $600 per week, or $2,600 per month. Add $600 software for $3,200.
- Example hybrid: $18 × 10 × 2 = $360 per week, or $1,560 per month. Add the $3,200 remote cost for $4,760.
- Example differences: on-site minus remote is $3,040. On-site minus hybrid is $1,480.
To add one-time costs and a payback estimate, use the self storage automation ROI worksheet.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the calculator use 52 ÷ 12 weeks per month?
A year has 52 weeks, so an average month has about 4.333 weeks. Using 4 weeks would understate monthly cost.
Does the result include payroll taxes and benefits?
No. The on-site figure covers wages only. Add taxes, benefits and overtime to the wage input if you want them included.
What should I count as software and access-control cost?
Count monthly costs that remote management adds or changes, such as remote access control, cameras or call handling. Leave out software you already pay for either way.
Why are remote hours entered for the whole portfolio?
A remote team usually covers several facilities at once. Entering portfolio hours avoids counting the same person once per site.
Is a positive difference a reason to go remote?
Not on its own. Coverage, tenant service and emergency response matter too. See staffing models compared and call handling options.
Related guides
Sources
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (accessed October 24, 2026)