Cost to hire an employee in Florida
On top of a $50,000 salary, a Florida employer pays roughly $4,556 in payroll taxes and insurance before benefits, about 9.1% of wages.
Last verified November 2, 2026. Sources: oui.doleta.gov, oregon.gov.
What a Florida 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 |
| Florida unemployment (SUTA) | 2.7% new employer 0.1%–5.4% experienced | First $7,000 |
| Workers' compensation | ~$1.00 per $100 | Varies by job class |
Total cost at different salaries
| Salary | Employer taxes & insurance | % of salary | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| $35,000 | $3,259 | 9.3% | $38,259 |
| $50,000 | $4,556 | 9.1% | $54,556 |
| $75,000 | $6,719 | 9% | $81,719 |
| $100,000 | $8,881 | 8.9% | $108,881 |
| $150,000 | $13,206 | 8.8% | $163,206 |
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.
Florida vs. neighboring states
| State | SUTA wage base | New-employer rate | Cost on $50,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $7,000 | 2.7% | $4,556 |
| Alabama | $8,000 | 2.7% | $4,638 |
| Georgia | $9,500 | 2.7% | $4,669 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to hire an employee in Florida?
- On a $50,000 salary, employer payroll taxes and insurance add about $4,556 (9.1%), before benefits, for a total of $54,556.
- What is the Florida SUTA rate for new employers?
- New employers generally pay 2.7% on the first $7,000 of each employee's wages. Experienced employers pay between 0.1% and 5.4%.
- Do Florida employers pay FUTA?
- Yes. Employers pay 6.0% on the first $7,000 of wages, reduced to 0.6% with the state unemployment credit.