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Cost of hiring an employee in Rhode Island

A full-time hire at $18/hour costs about $41,236 a year before benefits — $20.62 per hour actually worked with 10 days off.

Last updated October 28, 2026 · 2026 rates

SUTA new-employer rate
1.21%
incl. surcharges
SUTA wage base
$30,800
verified
Minimum wage
$16.00
verified
Workers' comp (typical)
$1.38/$100
rank 10/51 (1 = priciest)

DOL base 1.0%; 1.21% incl. job development assessment (secondary). Wage base $30,800 ($32,300 for highest-rate employers).

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 Rhode Island?

A full-time worker at $18.00/hour ($37,440 a year) with 10 PTO days costs about $41,236 a year before benefits: employer payroll tax $2,864, FUTA $42, Rhode Island unemployment $373 and typical workers' comp $517. That's $20.62 per hour worked.

What is the Rhode Island SUTA rate for new employers in 2026?

1.21% on the first $30,800 of each employee's wages (includes state surcharges per a secondary source; base rate per DOL 1%). DOL base 1.0%; 1.21% incl. job development assessment (secondary). Wage base $30,800 ($32,300 for highest-rate employers).

What is the Rhode Island minimum wage in 2026?

$16.00 per hour.

How much is workers' comp in Rhode Island?

The 2024 Oregon premium-rate study puts Rhode Island's all-industry index rate at $1.38 per $100 of payroll (rank 10 of 51; national median $1.09). Your real rate depends on job class and claims history.

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