Skip to content

Cost of hiring an employee in West Virginia

A full-time hire at $18/hour costs about $40,805 a year before benefits — $20.40 per hour actually worked with 10 days off.

Last updated October 28, 2026 · 2026 rates

SUTA new-employer rate
2.7%
verified
SUTA wage base
$9,500
verified
Minimum wage
$8.75
verified
Workers' comp (typical)
$0.54/$100
rank 49/51 (1 = priciest)

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 West Virginia?

A full-time worker at $18.00/hour ($37,440 a year) with 10 PTO days costs about $40,805 a year before benefits: employer payroll tax $2,864, FUTA $42, West Virginia unemployment $257 and typical workers' comp $202. That's $20.40 per hour worked.

What is the West Virginia SUTA rate for new employers in 2026?

2.7% on the first $9,500 of each employee's wages (U.S. DOL, January 2026).

What is the West Virginia minimum wage in 2026?

$8.75 per hour.

How much is workers' comp in West Virginia?

The 2024 Oregon premium-rate study puts West Virginia's all-industry index rate at $0.54 per $100 of payroll (rank 49 of 51; national median $1.09). Your real rate depends on job class and claims history.

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