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True Cost to Hire Calculator

Most Tri-Cities employers underestimate what a new employee actually costs by 20-30%. See the real number — including every tax and benefit.

1 · Base Compensation
Salaried
Hourly
Gross wages before any deductions
Estimated performance pay
2 · Employer Payroll Taxes (WA)
Workers' comp — based on hours worked. Office ≈ $0.15, Construction ≈ $1.50–3.00
2026 premium is 1.13% of wages; employer share depends on company size

Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), and FUTA (0.6% on first $7K) are calculated automatically. L&I is based on hours worked.

3 · Benefits
Paid time off — included in salary
Typically 8-10 for full-time
Add any benefits you pay for this employee
/mo
% of salary

True Annual Cost (Year 1)

$0
for one employee

Where the Money Goes

▶ 5-Year Projection
Cost of living / merit increase

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Estimates only. Actual costs vary by industry, benefit plan design, risk classification, and individual circumstances. L&I is based on hours worked at your risk class rate. PFML rate is 1.13% for 2026. FUTA calculated at effective 0.6% after state UC credit. WA minimum wage is $17.13/hr for 2026. WA paid sick leave minimum is 1 hour per 40 hours worked. For a precise cost analysis for your specific business, let's talk.

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Steadfast Accounting runs payroll, manages benefits administration, files every WA state report, and handles your bookkeeping — so you always know what every employee truly costs. Book a free consultation today.

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