Washington Labor Burden Calculator

Find the fully burdened labor rate in Washington, pre-filled with local SUI and tax estimates.

Pre-filled with Washington estimates: SUI 1.0%, no state income tax. Edit any field below.

Social Security + Medicare (7.65%)

Federal unemployment (effective 0.6%)

Health, retirement, etc.

$36.83/hr

Fully burdened rate

22.8%

Burden added

$76,596

Annual cost

Burden breakdown

Employer FICA (Social Security + Medicare)7.7% · $2.30/hr
Federal Unemployment (FUTA)0.6% · $0.18/hr
State Unemployment (SUI)1.0% · $0.30/hr
Workers' Compensation1.5% · $0.45/hr
Benefits (health, retirement)8.0% · $2.40/hr
Overhead (PTO, equipment, admin)4.0% · $1.20/hr
Total burden22.8% · $6.83/hr

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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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Calculating the fully burdened labor rate in Washington starts with federal payroll taxes and adds the state-specific pieces. No state income tax, but the highest SUI wage base in the country. This calculator pre-fills Washington's estimated new-employer SUI rate of 1.0% on a $72,800 wage base, then lets you layer in workers compensation, benefits, and overhead.

The result is the true hourly and annual cost of an employee in Washington — the number you need before setting a bill rate or comparing a W2 hire against a 1099 contractor.

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Washington Labor Burden FAQ

What is the labor burden rate in Washington?
In Washington, the employer labor burden combines federal taxes (FICA 7.65%, FUTA 0.6%) with the state unemployment (SUI) rate — estimated around 1.0% for new employers on a $72,800 wage base — plus workers compensation, benefits, and overhead. Most Washington employers land between 15% and 30% total burden. Every rate is editable in the calculator above.
How is the fully burdened rate calculated in Washington?
Add all employer costs as a percentage of the base wage, then multiply the pay rate by (1 + total burden). The calculator pre-fills Washington's SUI estimate and lets you adjust workers comp and benefits to match your business.
Does Washington have a state income tax?
No. Washington has no state income tax on wages. That affects worker take-home (see the 1099 vs W2 calculator) but not the employer's labor burden, which is driven by SUI, workers comp, and benefits.
Are these numbers tax advice?
No. These are editable 2025 estimates. Washington SUI rates are experience-rated per employer and workers comp varies by class code — confirm with a licensed accountant.