Cost to hire an employee in New Hampshire
On top of a $50,000 salary, a New Hampshire employer pays roughly $4,715 in payroll taxes and insurance before benefits, about 9.4% of wages.
Last verified November 2, 2026. Sources: eddy.com, taxnews.ey.com, oregon.gov.
What a New Hampshire 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 |
| New Hampshire unemployment (SUTA) | 1.7% new employer 0.1%–7.5% experienced | First $14,000 |
| Workers' compensation | ~$1.22 per $100 | Varies by job class |
Administrative contribution is included in the rate
Total cost at different salaries
| Salary | Employer taxes & insurance | % of salary | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| $35,000 | $3,385 | 9.7% | $38,385 |
| $50,000 | $4,715 | 9.4% | $54,715 |
| $75,000 | $6,933 | 9.2% | $81,933 |
| $100,000 | $9,150 | 9.2% | $109,150 |
| $150,000 | $13,585 | 9.1% | $163,585 |
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.
New Hampshire vs. neighboring states
| State | SUTA wage base | New-employer rate | Cost on $50,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $14,000 | 1.7% | $4,715 |
| Maine | $12,000 | 2.54% | $5,107 |
| Massachusetts | $15,000 | 2.48% | $4,933 |
| Vermont | $15,400 | 1% | $4,986 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to hire an employee in New Hampshire?
- On a $50,000 salary, employer payroll taxes and insurance add about $4,715 (9.4%), before benefits, for a total of $54,715.
- What is the New Hampshire SUTA rate for new employers?
- New employers generally pay 1.7% on the first $14,000 of each employee's wages. Experienced employers pay between 0.1% and 7.5%.
- Do New Hampshire employers pay FUTA?
- Yes. Employers pay 6.0% on the first $7,000 of wages, reduced to 0.6% with the state unemployment credit.