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

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

Total Cost at $60K Salary

$65,391

Cost multiplier: 1.09x

SUTA Rate (Mid)

1.0%

Wage base: $10,500

Workers' Comp Rate

1.09%

Has state income tax

Missouri Employer Tax Details

State-specific payroll obligations for employers

SUTA Rate Range 0.0% – 6.0%
SUTA New Employer Rate (typical) 1.0%
SUTA Wage Base $10,500
Workers' Compensation (avg) 1.09% of payroll
State Income Tax Yes

Example Employer Costs in Missouri

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 (MO) $105 $105 $105
Workers' Comp $436 $654 $872
Total Employer Taxes $3,643 $5,391 $7,139
Total Cost (salary + taxes) $43,643 (1.09x) $65,391 (1.09x) $87,139 (1.09x)

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

How Missouri Compares

Missouri's typical SUTA rate of 1.0% is below the national average of ~1.70%.

Workers' compensation at 1.09% of payroll is below 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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