How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Employee in New York? (2026)
State-specific payroll taxes, workers' comp, and total employer costs in New York.
Total Cost at $60K Salary
$66,055
Cost multiplier: 1.1x
SUTA Rate (Mid)
2.5%
Wage base: $12,500
Workers' Comp Rate
1.35%
Has state income tax
New York Employer Tax Details
State-specific payroll obligations for employers
| SUTA Rate Range | 0.13% – 8.9% |
| SUTA New Employer Rate (typical) | 2.5% |
| SUTA Wage Base | $12,500 |
| Workers' Compensation (avg) | 1.35% of payroll |
| State Income Tax | Yes |
| Disability Insurance | 0.5% |
NY DBL (~$0.60/week employer cost). PFL is employee-funded.
Example Employer Costs in New York
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 (NY) | $313 | $313 | $313 |
| Workers' Comp | $540 | $810 | $1,080 |
| State Programs (DI/PFL) | $200 | $300 | $400 |
| Total Employer Taxes | $4,155 | $6,055 | $7,955 |
| Total Cost (salary + taxes) | $44,155 (1.1x) | $66,055 (1.1x) | $87,955 (1.1x) |
These estimates include mandatory employer payroll taxes only. Add benefits ($7K-$17K) and overhead (~10% of salary) for full cost.
How New York Compares
New York's typical SUTA rate of 2.5% is above the national average of ~1.70%.
Workers' compensation at 1.35% of payroll is above the national average of ~1.20%.
Employee Costs in Other States
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