Employee Cost in North Carolina
Updated June 2026 · Total employer cost calculator
$48,450
Entry Level Total
$106,590
Mid-Level Total
$161,500+
Senior/Mgr Total
Calculate Total Employee Cost in North Carolina
Base Salary—
Payroll Taxes (FICA + FUTA + SUTA)—
Benefits—
Workers' Comp—
Total Annual Cost—
Cost multiplier vs. salary—
Total Employee Cost in North Carolina by Salary
| Annual Salary | Payroll Taxes | +Std Benefits | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| $33,250 | $3,641 | $5,985 | $42,876 |
| $52,250 | $5,721 | $9,405 | $67,376 |
| $71,250 | $7,802 | $12,825 | $91,877 |
| $90,250 | $9,882 | $16,245 | $116,377 |
| $118,750 | $13,003 | $21,375 | $153,128 |
Total Hiring Cost by Job Type — North Carolina
Workers' compensation insurance rates vary dramatically by job classification, significantly affecting total employer cost. Rates based on $80,750 median salary in North Carolina.
| Job Type | WC Rate | WC Cost | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office / Administrative | ~$0.40/$100 | $323 | $104,450 |
| Retail / Customer Service | ~$1.20/$100 | $969 | $105,096 |
| Restaurant / Food Service | ~$3.00/$100 | $2,423 | $106,550 |
| Trades / Light Warehouse | ~$6.00/$100 | $4,845 | $108,972 |
| Construction / Heavy Labor | ~$14.00/$100 | $11,305 | $115,432 |
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 North Carolina
Total employee costs in North Carolina are near the national average. Employee costs in North Carolina track national averages.
Employer Tax Summary for North Carolina
- • FICA (employer share): 7.65% of gross wages
- • FUTA: 0.6% on first $7,000 of wages
- • North Carolina 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 North Carolina
Compare payroll software and PEO services. Automate taxes, compliance, and benefits for North Carolina employers.
Compare Payroll Services →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to employ someone in North Carolina?
Total employment cost in North Carolina is 1.25–1.40× the base salary. A $80,750 salary costs employers $106,590–$117,088.
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 North Carolina?
The minimum wage in North Carolina is at or above the federal minimum of $7.25/hr.
How much does workers' comp insurance cost?
Workers' comp in North Carolina typically costs $0.50–$3.00 per $100 of payroll for most office and service roles.