How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Employee in Wisconsin? (2026)
State-specific payroll taxes, workers' comp, and total employer costs in Wisconsin.
Total Cost at $60K Salary
$65,732
Cost multiplier: 1.1x
SUTA Rate (Mid)
2.8%
Wage base: $14,000
Workers' Comp Rate
1.18%
Has state income tax
Wisconsin Employer Tax Details
State-specific payroll obligations for employers
| SUTA Rate Range | 0.0% – 9.0% |
| SUTA New Employer Rate (typical) | 2.8% |
| SUTA Wage Base | $14,000 |
| Workers' Compensation (avg) | 1.18% of payroll |
| State Income Tax | Yes |
Example Employer Costs in Wisconsin
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 (WI) | $392 | $392 | $392 |
| Workers' Comp | $472 | $708 | $944 |
| Total Employer Taxes | $3,966 | $5,732 | $7,498 |
| Total Cost (salary + taxes) | $43,966 (1.1x) | $65,732 (1.1x) | $87,498 (1.09x) |
These estimates include mandatory employer payroll taxes only. Add benefits ($7K-$17K) and overhead (~10% of salary) for full cost.
How Wisconsin Compares
Wisconsin's typical SUTA rate of 2.8% is above the national average of ~1.70%.
Workers' compensation at 1.18% of payroll is below the national average of ~1.20%.
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