Cost to hire an employee in Vermont
On top of a $50,000 salary, a Vermont employer pays roughly $4,986 in payroll taxes and insurance before benefits, about 10% of wages.
Last verified November 2, 2026. Sources: oui.doleta.gov, vialtopartners.com, oregon.gov.
What a Vermont 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 |
| Vermont unemployment (SUTA) | 1% new employer 0.4%–5.4% experienced | First $15,400 |
| Child Care Contribution | 0.33% | All wages |
| Workers' compensation | ~$1.60 per $100 | Varies by job class |
Total cost at different salaries
| Salary | Employer taxes & insurance | % of salary | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| $35,000 | $3,549 | 10.1% | $38,549 |
| $50,000 | $4,986 | 10% | $54,986 |
| $75,000 | $7,381 | 9.8% | $82,381 |
| $100,000 | $9,776 | 9.8% | $109,776 |
| $150,000 | $14,566 | 9.7% | $164,566 |
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.
Vermont vs. neighboring states
| State | SUTA wage base | New-employer rate | Cost on $50,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont | $15,400 | 1% | $4,986 |
| Massachusetts | $15,000 | 2.48% | $4,933 |
| New Hampshire | $14,000 | 1.7% | $4,715 |
| New York | $17,600 | 4.1% | $5,579 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to hire an employee in Vermont?
- On a $50,000 salary, employer payroll taxes and insurance add about $4,986 (10%), before benefits, for a total of $54,986.
- What is the Vermont SUTA rate for new employers?
- New employers generally pay 1% on the first $15,400 of each employee's wages. Experienced employers pay between 0.4% and 5.4%.
- Do Vermont employers pay FUTA?
- Yes. Employers pay 6.0% on the first $7,000 of wages, reduced to 0.6% with the state unemployment credit.