Cost to hire an employee in Idaho
On top of a $50,000 salary, a Idaho employer pays roughly $4,917 in payroll taxes and insurance before benefits, about 9.8% of wages.
Last verified November 2, 2026. Sources: oui.doleta.gov, oregon.gov.
What a Idaho 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 |
| Idaho unemployment (SUTA) | 1% new employer 0.21%–5.4% experienced | First $58,300 |
| Workers' compensation | ~$1.10 per $100 | Varies by job class |
Workforce Development and Administrative Reserve components are included in the total rate
Total cost at different salaries
| Salary | Employer taxes & insurance | % of salary | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| $35,000 | $3,455 | 9.9% | $38,455 |
| $50,000 | $4,917 | 9.8% | $54,917 |
| $75,000 | $7,188 | 9.6% | $82,188 |
| $100,000 | $9,375 | 9.4% | $109,375 |
| $150,000 | $13,750 | 9.2% | $163,750 |
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.
Idaho vs. neighboring states
| State | SUTA wage base | New-employer rate | Cost on $50,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho | $58,300 | 1% | $4,917 |
| Montana | $47,300 | 1.28% | $5,142 |
| Nevada | $43,700 | 3% | $5,543 |
| Oregon | $56,700 | 2.4% | $5,712 |
| Utah | $50,700 | 1.2% | $4,782 |
| Washington | $78,200 | 1.25% | $5,328 |
| Wyoming | $33,800 | 1.69% | $5,143 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to hire an employee in Idaho?
- On a $50,000 salary, employer payroll taxes and insurance add about $4,917 (9.8%), before benefits, for a total of $54,917.
- What is the Idaho SUTA rate for new employers?
- New employers generally pay 1% on the first $58,300 of each employee's wages. Experienced employers pay between 0.21% and 5.4%.
- Do Idaho employers pay FUTA?
- Yes. Employers pay 6.0% on the first $7,000 of wages, reduced to 0.6% with the state unemployment credit.