How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Employee in Connecticut? (2026)

State-specific payroll taxes, workers' comp, and total employer costs in Connecticut.

Total Cost at $60K Salary

$66,647

Cost multiplier: 1.11x

SUTA Rate (Mid)

2.9%

Wage base: $25,000

Workers' Comp Rate

1.65%

Has state income tax

Connecticut Employer Tax Details

State-specific payroll obligations for employers

SUTA Rate Range 1.5% – 6.9%
SUTA New Employer Rate (typical) 2.9%
SUTA Wage Base $25,000
Workers' Compensation (avg) 1.65% of payroll
State Income Tax Yes
Paid Family Leave (employer share) 0.5%

Example Employer Costs in Connecticut

Mandatory employer taxes only (no benefits or overhead)

Component $40,000 Salary $60,000 Salary $80,000 Salary
Social Security (6.2%) $2,480 $3,720 $4,960
Medicare (1.45%) $580 $870 $1,160
FUTA $42 $42 $42
SUTA (CT) $725 $725 $725
Workers' Comp $660 $990 $1,320
State Programs (DI/PFL) $200 $300 $400
Total Employer Taxes $4,687 $6,647 $8,607
Total Cost (salary + taxes) $44,687 (1.12x) $66,647 (1.11x) $88,607 (1.11x)

These estimates include mandatory employer payroll taxes only. Add benefits ($7K-$17K) and overhead (~10% of salary) for full cost.

How Connecticut Compares

Connecticut's typical SUTA rate of 2.9% is above the national average of ~1.70%. However, with a wage base of $25,000, which is well above the federal minimum of $7,000, the effective SUTA cost per employee can be significant.

Workers' compensation at 1.65% of payroll is above the national average of ~1.20%.

Calculate Your Exact Employee Cost

Use our interactive calculator with your specific salary, state, and benefits to get an exact number.

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