HR
The True Cost of Hiring: Beyond the Salary
James Wilson
November 20, 2025
8 min read
Hiring an employee is a major financial commitment. The base salary is just the beginning of the story.
The "Hidden" Costs
On average, an employee costs 1.25 to 1.4 times their base salary. These costs include:
- Payroll Taxes (FICA, FUTA, SUTA)
- Workers' Compensation Insurance
- Health Insurance and Benefits
- Equipment and Software Licenses
- Recruitment and Training Costs
Using a payroll calculator can help you model these costs before you extend an offer.