Cost to hire an employee in Connecticut
On top of a $50,000 salary, a Connecticut employer pays roughly $5,120 in payroll taxes and insurance before benefits, about 10.2% of wages.
Last verified November 2, 2026. Sources: portal.ct.gov, ctpaidleave.org, oregon.gov.
What a Connecticut employer pays
| Cost | Rate | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | 6.2% | Wages up to $184,500 |
| Medicare | 1.45% | All wages |
| Federal unemployment (FUTA) | 0.6% net | First $7,000 |
| Connecticut unemployment (SUTA) | 1.9% new employer 1.1%–9.9% experienced | First $27,000 |
| Workers' compensation | ~$1.48 per $100 | Varies by job class |
Fund solvency tax 1.0% is included in the experienced range. CT Paid Leave is 0.5% employee-paid (separate program).
Total cost at different salaries
| Salary | Employer taxes & insurance | % of salary | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| $35,000 | $3,751 | 10.7% | $38,751 |
| $50,000 | $5,120 | 10.2% | $55,120 |
| $75,000 | $7,403 | 9.9% | $82,403 |
| $100,000 | $9,685 | 9.7% | $109,685 |
| $150,000 | $14,250 | 9.5% | $164,250 |
Benefits usually cost more than taxes. The BLS Employer Costs for Employee Compensation survey puts benefits at roughly 30% of total compensation in private industry. Add your health plan cost in the calculator to include it.
Connecticut vs. neighboring states
| State | SUTA wage base | New-employer rate | Cost on $50,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $27,000 | 1.9% | $5,120 |
| Massachusetts | $15,000 | 2.48% | $4,933 |
| New York | $17,600 | 4.1% | $5,579 |
| Rhode Island | $30,800 | 1.21% | $5,035 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to hire an employee in Connecticut?
- On a $50,000 salary, employer payroll taxes and insurance add about $5,120 (10.2%), before benefits, for a total of $55,120.
- What is the Connecticut SUTA rate for new employers?
- New employers generally pay 1.9% on the first $27,000 of each employee's wages. Experienced employers pay between 1.1% and 9.9%.
- Do Connecticut employers pay FUTA?
- Yes. Employers pay 6.0% on the first $7,000 of wages, reduced to 0.6% with the state unemployment credit.