Skip to content

Cost of hiring an employee in Ohio

A full-time hire at $18/hour costs about $40,857 a year before benefits — $20.43 per hour actually worked with 10 days off.

Last updated October 28, 2026 · 2026 rates

SUTA new-employer rate
2.85%
incl. surcharges
SUTA wage base
$9,000
verified
Minimum wage
$11.00
verified
Workers' comp (typical)
$0.68/$100
rank 47/51 (1 = priciest)

DOL base 2.7%; 2.85% incl. mutualized amount (secondary).

Minimum wage: $11.00 for employers with annual gross receipts of $405,000 or more; smaller employers $7.25.

1About the hire

Adjust tax rates (from your notices or quotes)

2What this employee costs you

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to hire an employee in Ohio?

A full-time worker at $18.00/hour ($37,440 a year) with 10 PTO days costs about $40,857 a year before benefits: employer payroll tax $2,864, FUTA $42, Ohio unemployment $257 and typical workers' comp $255. That's $20.43 per hour worked.

What is the Ohio SUTA rate for new employers in 2026?

2.85% on the first $9,000 of each employee's wages (includes state surcharges per a secondary source; base rate per DOL 2.7%). DOL base 2.7%; 2.85% incl. mutualized amount (secondary).

What is the Ohio minimum wage in 2026?

$11.00 per hour. $11.00 for employers with annual gross receipts of $405,000 or more; smaller employers $7.25.

How much is workers' comp in Ohio?

The 2024 Oregon premium-rate study puts Ohio's all-industry index rate at $0.68 per $100 of payroll (rank 47 of 51; national median $1.09). Your real rate depends on job class and claims history.

Forming the business first? Ohio LLC cost · S-corp calculator