Cost to hire an employee in North Dakota
On top of a $50,000 salary, a North Dakota employer pays roughly $4,583 in payroll taxes and insurance before benefits, about 9.2% of wages.
Last verified November 2, 2026. Sources: jobsnd.com, oregon.gov.
What a North Dakota 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 |
| North Dakota unemployment (SUTA) | 1% new employer 0.07%–9.67% experienced | First $46,600 |
| Workers' compensation | ~$0.50 per $100 | Varies by job class |
Total cost at different salaries
| Salary | Employer taxes & insurance | % of salary | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| $35,000 | $3,245 | 9.3% | $38,245 |
| $50,000 | $4,583 | 9.2% | $54,583 |
| $75,000 | $6,621 | 8.8% | $81,621 |
| $100,000 | $8,658 | 8.7% | $108,658 |
| $150,000 | $12,733 | 8.5% | $162,733 |
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.
North Dakota vs. neighboring states
| State | SUTA wage base | New-employer rate | Cost on $50,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | $46,600 | 1% | $4,583 |
| Minnesota | $44,000 | 1.4% | $5,328 |
| Montana | $47,300 | 1.28% | $5,142 |
| South Dakota | $15,000 | 1.75% | $4,695 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to hire an employee in North Dakota?
- On a $50,000 salary, employer payroll taxes and insurance add about $4,583 (9.2%), before benefits, for a total of $54,583.
- What is the North Dakota SUTA rate for new employers?
- New employers generally pay 1% on the first $46,600 of each employee's wages. Experienced employers pay between 0.07% and 9.67%.
- Do North Dakota employers pay FUTA?
- Yes. Employers pay 6.0% on the first $7,000 of wages, reduced to 0.6% with the state unemployment credit.