Cost to hire an employee in West Virginia
On top of a $50,000 salary, a West Virginia employer pays roughly $4,394 in payroll taxes and insurance before benefits, about 8.8% of wages.
Last verified November 2, 2026. Sources: assets.equifax.com, oregon.gov.
What a West Virginia 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 |
| West Virginia unemployment (SUTA) | 2.7% new employer 1.5%–8.5% experienced | First $9,500 |
| Workers' compensation | ~$0.54 per $100 | Varies by job class |
Total cost at different salaries
| Salary | Employer taxes & insurance | % of salary | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| $35,000 | $3,165 | 9% | $38,165 |
| $50,000 | $4,394 | 8.8% | $54,394 |
| $75,000 | $6,441 | 8.6% | $81,441 |
| $100,000 | $8,489 | 8.5% | $108,489 |
| $150,000 | $12,584 | 8.4% | $162,584 |
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.
West Virginia vs. neighboring states
| State | SUTA wage base | New-employer rate | Cost on $50,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | $9,500 | 2.7% | $4,394 |
| Kentucky | $12,000 | 2.7% | $4,571 |
| Maryland | $8,500 | 2.6% | $4,533 |
| Ohio | $9,000 | 2.85% | $4,464 |
| Pennsylvania | $10,000 | 3.82% | $4,819 |
| Virginia | $8,000 | 2.5% | $4,432 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to hire an employee in West Virginia?
- On a $50,000 salary, employer payroll taxes and insurance add about $4,394 (8.8%), before benefits, for a total of $54,394.
- What is the West Virginia SUTA rate for new employers?
- New employers generally pay 2.7% on the first $9,500 of each employee's wages. Experienced employers pay between 1.5% and 8.5%.
- Do West Virginia employers pay FUTA?
- Yes. Employers pay 6.0% on the first $7,000 of wages, reduced to 0.6% with the state unemployment credit.