Ohio 1099 vs W2 Calculator

Compare employer cost and worker take-home in Ohio, with local income-tax estimates pre-filled.

Pre-filled with Ohio estimates: SUI 2.7%, state income tax ~3.5%. Edit any field below.

Payroll taxes + benefits on W2

Worker's effective rate

Worker's effective rate

Employer cost (per year)

$98,176

W2 fully burdened

$104,000

1099 cost

W2 is cheaper for the employer by $5,824/yr.

Worker take-home (per year)

$63,939

W2 take-home

$74,324

1099 take-home

1099 nets the worker $10,385/yr more. A 1099 rate of about $43.01/hr matches this W2 offer's take-home.

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Estimates only, using editable 2025 US defaults. Tax and insurance rates vary by employer, classification, and locality — verify with a licensed accountant before relying on these figures.

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Comparing a 1099 contract against a W2 role in Ohio means weighing employer cost against worker take-home. Progressive income tax with a low SUI wage base. Because Ohio taxes wage income (around 3.5% effective), that rate is pre-filled for the take-home side.

Enter the W2 and 1099 rates to see the annual cost to the employer for each, the worker's take-home for each, and the break-even 1099 rate that matches the W2 offer in Ohio.

Ohio 1099 vs W2 FAQ

Is 1099 or W2 better in Ohio?
In Ohio, both federal and state income tax (roughly 3.5% effective) apply to either option, but a 1099 contractor also pays the full 15.3% self-employment tax with no employer benefits. The calculator above shows employer cost and worker take-home for Ohio so you can compare directly.
What 1099 rate equals a W2 salary in Ohio?
Enter the W2 rate and the calculator returns the break-even 1099 hourly rate that nets the same annual take-home in Ohio, factoring self-employment tax and Ohio's income tax.
Does Ohio state income tax change the math?
Yes. Ohio's income tax reduces take-home for both 1099 and W2 workers, so the break-even 1099 rate is pre-filled with a 3.5% estimate. Edit it to match your bracket.
Are these numbers tax advice?
No. They are editable 2025 planning estimates. Effective tax rates depend on income, filing status, and deductions — confirm with a licensed accountant.