Guides
Plain English explainers that sit behind the calculators. Every guide states its assumptions and links back to the model that uses them.
State guides
Employer cost by state: new employer unemployment rates, taxable wage bases, workers compensation notes and a worked example for ten of the largest hiring states.
Browse the state guidesHow much does an employee really cost in 2026
Salary, taxes, benefits and the complete employer budget.
Read guideEmployer payroll taxes explained state by state
Federal payroll taxes and state unemployment obligations.
Read guideContractor vs employee: the real cost comparison
Compare a contractor budget with the cost of employment.
Read guideWhat benefits actually cost per employee
Medical cover, retirement and other employee benefits.
Read guideHow much does onboarding a new employee cost
Separate paid training, manager time and the cost of reaching useful output.
Read guideThe true cost of employee turnover
Build a replacement budget without misleading salary multiples.
Read guideWorkers' compensation insurance cost by industry
Official industry examples, classification codes and insurance audits.
Read guideHealth insurance cost per employee for small businesses
Survey premiums, employer contributions and coverage choices.
Read guideState unemployment insurance (SUTA) rates explained
Understand wage bases, new employer rates and experience ratings.
Read guidePEO vs employer of record: what each really costs
Compare public service fees and the responsibilities that remain yours.
Read guideWhat a bad hire really costs
Separate cash already paid from rework and replacement costs.
Read guideHiring a remote employee in another state: the cost and compliance checklist
Registrations, payroll, insurance and a practical Pennsylvania example.
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