Employee Cost in Kentucky
Updated June 2026 · Total employer cost calculator
$43,350
Entry Level Total
$95,370
Mid-Level Total
$144,500+
Senior/Mgr Total
Calculate Total Employee Cost in Kentucky
Base Salary—
Payroll Taxes (FICA + FUTA + SUTA)—
Benefits—
Workers' Comp—
Total Annual Cost—
Cost multiplier vs. salary—
Total Employee Cost in Kentucky by Salary
| Annual Salary | Payroll Taxes | +Std Benefits | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| $29,750 | $3,258 | $5,355 | $38,363 |
| $46,750 | $5,119 | $8,415 | $60,284 |
| $63,750 | $6,981 | $11,475 | $82,206 |
| $80,750 | $8,842 | $14,535 | $104,127 |
| $106,250 | $11,634 | $19,125 | $137,009 |
Total Hiring Cost by Job Type — Kentucky
Workers' compensation insurance rates vary dramatically by job classification, significantly affecting total employer cost. Rates based on $72,250 median salary in Kentucky.
| Job Type | WC Rate | WC Cost | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office / Administrative | ~$0.40/$100 | $289 | $93,455 |
| Retail / Customer Service | ~$1.20/$100 | $867 | $94,033 |
| Restaurant / Food Service | ~$3.00/$100 | $2,168 | $95,334 |
| Trades / Light Warehouse | ~$6.00/$100 | $4,335 | $97,501 |
| Construction / Heavy Labor | ~$14.00/$100 | $10,115 | $103,281 |
WC rates are approximate — actual workers' comp premiums vary by carrier, claims history, and exact classification code. Construction and trades roles can run 3–5× the total cost of equivalent-salary office roles due to WC premiums.
Hiring Costs in Kentucky
Total employee costs in Kentucky are below the national average. Lower wages and simpler employment tax requirements keep hiring costs below average.
Employer Tax Summary for Kentucky
- • FICA (employer share): 7.65% of gross wages
- • FUTA: 0.6% on first $7,000 of wages
- • Kentucky SUTA: ~2.7% average (varies by experience rating)
- • Workers' comp: $0.30–$3.00+/$100 payroll (by classification)
Cost-Saving Strategies
- • Consider PEO (Professional Employer Organization) for small businesses — often reduces benefits costs 15–25%
- • Use contractors for variable workloads (ensure proper classification)
- • High-deductible health plans + HSA contributions lower health insurance costs
- • Benchmark salaries with local market data to avoid overpaying
Simplify Payroll in Kentucky
Compare payroll software and PEO services. Automate taxes, compliance, and benefits for Kentucky employers.
Compare Payroll Services →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to employ someone in Kentucky?
Total employment cost in Kentucky is 1.25–1.40× the base salary. A $72,250 salary costs employers $95,370–$104,763.
What payroll taxes does an employer pay?
FICA (7.65%), FUTA (0.6% on first $7,000), and state unemployment tax (SUTA, varies by state). Plus workers' comp insurance.
What benefits are required vs. optional?
Required: FICA, FUTA, SUTA, workers' comp. Optional: health insurance, dental, 401(k) match, life insurance.
What is the minimum wage in Kentucky?
The minimum wage in Kentucky is at or above the federal minimum of $7.25/hr.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost?
Workers' comp in Kentucky typically costs $0.50–$3.00 per $100 of payroll for most office and service roles.