Cost to hire an employee in Nebraska
On top of a $50,000 salary, a Nebraska employer pays roughly $4,540 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 Nebraska 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 |
| Nebraska unemployment (SUTA) | 1.25% new employer 0%–5.4% experienced | First $9,000 |
| Workers' compensation | ~$1.12 per $100 | Varies by job class |
State Unemployment Insurance Tax (SUIT) portion is included in the combined rate
Total cost at different salaries
| Salary | Employer taxes & insurance | % of salary | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| $35,000 | $3,224 | 9.2% | $38,224 |
| $50,000 | $4,540 | 9.1% | $54,540 |
| $75,000 | $6,732 | 9% | $81,732 |
| $100,000 | $8,925 | 8.9% | $108,925 |
| $150,000 | $13,310 | 8.9% | $163,310 |
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.
Nebraska vs. neighboring states
| State | SUTA wage base | New-employer rate | Cost on $50,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | $9,000 | 1.25% | $4,540 |
| Colorado | $30,600 | 3.05% | $5,545 |
| Iowa | $20,400 | 1% | $4,676 |
| Kansas | $15,100 | 1.75% | $4,586 |
| Missouri | $9,000 | 2.38% | $4,736 |
| South Dakota | $15,000 | 1.75% | $4,695 |
| Wyoming | $33,800 | 1.69% | $5,143 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to hire an employee in Nebraska?
- On a $50,000 salary, employer payroll taxes and insurance add about $4,540 (9.1%), before benefits, for a total of $54,540.
- What is the Nebraska SUTA rate for new employers?
- New employers generally pay 1.25% on the first $9,000 of each employee's wages. Experienced employers pay between 0% and 5.4%.
- Do Nebraska employers pay FUTA?
- Yes. Employers pay 6.0% on the first $7,000 of wages, reduced to 0.6% with the state unemployment credit.