Reverse employer cost calculator

How much salary can your hiring budget support?

Start with the total amount available for one US W-2 employee. EmployerCost works backward through payroll taxes, state unemployment, benefits, workers compensation, and administration to find a conservative maximum salary.

Enter the full employer budget

Total hiring budget $ Budget period Work state Taxes follow the employee's work state. Role risk profile Employer-paid benefits % of salary Payroll administration

Why the answer is conservative

The search uses the high end of EmployerCost's planning range. At the displayed salary, the estimated high total stays within the budget rather than relying on the midpoint.

What the budget includes

Base salary, employer Social Security and Medicare, FUTA, the sourced state SUTA model, a workers compensation range, benefits, and the selected administration estimate.

What it does not decide

This tool does not calculate employee take-home pay, exempt status, overtime, local payroll taxes, paid leave obligations, or employer-specific insurance and unemployment rates.

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 Selected state's unemployment insurance source EmployerCost calculation methodology

General planning estimate only. Not payroll, tax, legal, insurance, compensation, or HR compliance advice. Verify the result with qualified advisors and the employer's assigned rates before making an offer. See the full disclaimer.