How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Employee in Louisiana? (2026)
State-specific payroll taxes, workers' comp, and total employer costs in Louisiana.
Total Cost at $60K Salary
$65,528
Cost multiplier: 1.09x
SUTA Rate (Mid)
1.5%
Wage base: $7,700
Workers' Comp Rate
1.3%
Has state income tax
Louisiana Employer Tax Details
State-specific payroll obligations for employers
| SUTA Rate Range | 0.09% – 6.0% |
| SUTA New Employer Rate (typical) | 1.5% |
| SUTA Wage Base | $7,700 |
| Workers' Compensation (avg) | 1.3% of payroll |
| State Income Tax | Yes |
Example Employer Costs in Louisiana
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 (LA) | $116 | $116 | $116 |
| Workers' Comp | $520 | $780 | $1,040 |
| Total Employer Taxes | $3,738 | $5,528 | $7,318 |
| Total Cost (salary + taxes) | $43,738 (1.09x) | $65,528 (1.09x) | $87,318 (1.09x) |
These estimates include mandatory employer payroll taxes only. Add benefits ($7K-$17K) and overhead (~10% of salary) for full cost.
How Louisiana Compares
Louisiana's typical SUTA rate of 1.5% is below the national average of ~1.70%. With a relatively low wage base of $7,700, the maximum SUTA cost per employee is capped early.
Workers' compensation at 1.3% of payroll is above the national average of ~1.20%.
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