Cost to hire an employee in Delaware
On top of a $50,000 salary, a Delaware employer pays roughly $4,726 in payroll taxes and insurance before benefits, about 9.5% of wages.
Last verified November 2, 2026. Sources: teamed.global, taxnews.ey.com, oregon.gov.
What a Delaware 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 |
| Delaware unemployment (SUTA) | 1.2% new employer 0.6%–5.6% experienced | First $14,500 |
| Delaware Paid Leave | 0.4% | Wages up to $184,500 |
| Workers' compensation | ~$0.97 per $100 | Varies by job class |
Operations and Technology Assessment 0.2% (drops to 0.175% in 2027), included in the rates
Total cost at different salaries
| Salary | Employer taxes & insurance | % of salary | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| $35,000 | $3,373 | 9.6% | $38,373 |
| $50,000 | $4,726 | 9.5% | $54,726 |
| $75,000 | $6,981 | 9.3% | $81,981 |
| $100,000 | $9,236 | 9.2% | $109,236 |
| $150,000 | $13,746 | 9.2% | $163,746 |
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.
Delaware vs. neighboring states
| State | SUTA wage base | New-employer rate | Cost on $50,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | $14,500 | 1.2% | $4,726 |
| Maryland | $8,500 | 2.6% | $4,533 |
| New Jersey | $44,800 | 2.8% | $6,451 |
| Pennsylvania | $10,000 | 3.82% | $4,819 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to hire an employee in Delaware?
- On a $50,000 salary, employer payroll taxes and insurance add about $4,726 (9.5%), before benefits, for a total of $54,726.
- What is the Delaware SUTA rate for new employers?
- New employers generally pay 1.2% on the first $14,500 of each employee's wages. Experienced employers pay between 0.6% and 5.6%.
- Do Delaware employers pay FUTA?
- Yes. Employers pay 6.0% on the first $7,000 of wages, reduced to 0.6% with the state unemployment credit.