# Employee cost in the US

> Enter the gross salary and see what an employer pays in the US on top of it in 2026.

Interactive calculator: https://www.nyrut.com/en/employee-cost-calculator/us

## What an employer pays in the US

On top of gross pay, the employer pays about 8.25% in contributions, some of them only up to a cap.

- **Social Security**: 6.2% up to US$184,500 a year
- **Medicare**: 1.45%
- **FUTA (net)**: 0.6% up to US$7,000 a year

Social Security (6.2% up to $184,500), Medicare (1.45%, no cap) and net FUTA (0.6% of the first $7,000). Excludes state unemployment tax (SUTA), which varies by state, as well as health insurance and workers' comp.

## An example

- **Gross salary**: US$60,000 a year
- **Employer contributions**: US$4,632
- **Total cost to the employer**: US$64,632 a year · US$5,386 a month

## What the payslip doesn't show

- Recruiting and onboarding time.
- Equipment, licences and space.
- Training and benefits.
- Paid leave and sick days.

## FAQ

**How much does an employee cost in the US?**
With a gross salary of US$60,000, about US$64,632 a year: 7.72% on top of gross pay.

**Is there a contribution cap in the US?**
Yes: Social Security up to US$184,500; FUTA (net) up to US$7,000.

## Sources (checked 2026-10-15)

- [the US: official rates and caps](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p15.pdf)

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