Cost to hire an employee in Ohio
On top of a $50,000 salary, a Ohio employer pays roughly $4,464 in payroll taxes and insurance before benefits, about 8.9% of wages.
Last verified November 2, 2026. Sources: news.bloombergtax.com, oregon.gov.
What a Ohio 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 |
| Ohio unemployment (SUTA) | 2.85% new employer 0.55%–10.25% experienced | First $9,000 |
| Workers' compensation | ~$0.68 per $100 | Varies by job class |
New 0.15% technology and customer service fee (HB 96, starting 2026, scheduled to sunset), included in the rates. Mutualized rate is 0.0% for 2026.
Total cost at different salaries
| Salary | Employer taxes & insurance | % of salary | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| $35,000 | $3,214 | 9.2% | $38,214 |
| $50,000 | $4,464 | 8.9% | $54,464 |
| $75,000 | $6,546 | 8.7% | $81,546 |
| $100,000 | $8,629 | 8.6% | $108,629 |
| $150,000 | $12,794 | 8.5% | $162,794 |
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.
Ohio vs. neighboring states
| State | SUTA wage base | New-employer rate | Cost on $50,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $9,000 | 2.85% | $4,464 |
| Indiana | $9,500 | 2.5% | $4,460 |
| Kentucky | $12,000 | 2.7% | $4,571 |
| Michigan | $9,000 | 2.7% | $4,560 |
| Pennsylvania | $10,000 | 3.82% | $4,819 |
| West Virginia | $9,500 | 2.7% | $4,394 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to hire an employee in Ohio?
- On a $50,000 salary, employer payroll taxes and insurance add about $4,464 (8.9%), before benefits, for a total of $54,464.
- What is the Ohio SUTA rate for new employers?
- New employers generally pay 2.85% on the first $9,000 of each employee's wages. Experienced employers pay between 0.55% and 10.25%.
- Do Ohio employers pay FUTA?
- Yes. Employers pay 6.0% on the first $7,000 of wages, reduced to 0.6% with the state unemployment credit.