Multi-state hiring decision

Compare the employer cost of the same hire across states

Hold salary, benefits, role risk, and administration constant. Compare two to four work states to isolate how sourced unemployment assumptions and workers compensation planning ranges change total employer cost.

Build one comparable hiring scenario

Annual salary $ Employer-paid benefits % of salary Role risk profile Payroll administration First state Second state Third state Fourth state

Comparable annual estimates

State-by-state result

Estimated employer cost by selected work state
Work state	Annual employer cost	Burden above salary	Difference

State unemployment sources used

Work backward from a budget Customize one state

What stays constant

The salary, benefits percentage, role risk profile, federal payroll tax formula, and administration choice remain identical in every row.

What changes by state

The 2026 state unemployment wage base and rate model change. Workers compensation planning ranges also use a state multiplier, but actual class-code rates can differ substantially.

How to read the difference

The table uses each state's midpoint estimate for ranking and measures the annual difference from the lowest available midpoint. The underlying low-to-high range remains visible.

Federal sources and methodology

IRS Topic 751: Social Security and Medicare withholding rates IRS Publication 15: Employer's Tax Guide U.S. Department of Labor unemployment insurance tax topic EmployerCost calculation methodology

General planning comparison only. Not payroll, tax, legal, insurance, compensation, or HR compliance advice. Hiring location should not be chosen on estimated payroll cost alone. Verify employer-specific rates and obligations before acting. See the full disclaimer.