Cost to hire an employee in Missouri
On top of a $50,000 salary, a Missouri employer pays roughly $4,736 in payroll taxes and insurance before benefits, about 9.5% of wages.
Last verified November 2, 2026. Sources: oui.doleta.gov, oregon.gov.
What a Missouri 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 |
| Missouri unemployment (SUTA) | 2.38% new employer 0%–6.75% experienced | First $9,000 |
| Workers' compensation | ~$1.31 per $100 | Varies by job class |
Surcharges are included in the max rate
Total cost at different salaries
| Salary | Employer taxes & insurance | % of salary | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| $35,000 | $3,392 | 9.7% | $38,392 |
| $50,000 | $4,736 | 9.5% | $54,736 |
| $75,000 | $6,976 | 9.3% | $81,976 |
| $100,000 | $9,216 | 9.2% | $109,216 |
| $150,000 | $13,696 | 9.1% | $163,696 |
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.
Missouri vs. neighboring states
| State | SUTA wage base | New-employer rate | Cost on $50,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | $9,000 | 2.38% | $4,736 |
| Arkansas | $7,000 | 2% | $4,272 |
| Illinois | $14,250 | 3.35% | $5,014 |
| Iowa | $20,400 | 1% | $4,676 |
| Kansas | $15,100 | 1.75% | $4,586 |
| Kentucky | $12,000 | 2.7% | $4,571 |
| Nebraska | $9,000 | 1.25% | $4,540 |
| Oklahoma | $25,000 | 1.5% | $4,907 |
| Tennessee | $7,000 | 2.7% | $4,456 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to hire an employee in Missouri?
- On a $50,000 salary, employer payroll taxes and insurance add about $4,736 (9.5%), before benefits, for a total of $54,736.
- What is the Missouri SUTA rate for new employers?
- New employers generally pay 2.38% on the first $9,000 of each employee's wages. Experienced employers pay between 0% and 6.75%.
- Do Missouri employers pay FUTA?
- Yes. Employers pay 6.0% on the first $7,000 of wages, reduced to 0.6% with the state unemployment credit.