Remote Employee Cost Burden Calculator
Founders hiring across states or borders need more than base salary. Add payroll tax percentages and benefit allowances to see total burden cost—often 1.25× to 1.4× base pay.
Inputs
Results
How this calculator works
- Enter base nominal salary.
- Add payroll tax % and annual benefits allowance.
- Include extras like equipment or stipends.
- See total burden cost and burden multiplier.
Why this matters
Founders hiring across states or borders need more than base salary. Add payroll tax percentages and benefit allowances to see total burden cost—often 1.25× to 1.4× base pay.
Frequently asked questions
What is employee cost burden?
The fully loaded employer cost: salary plus payroll taxes, insurance, benefits, equipment, and related overhead.
Why is burden often 1.25×–1.4× salary?
Employer payroll taxes, health benefits, retirement matches, and PTO commonly add 25–40% on top of wages.
Do remote international contractors have burden?
Contractors shift burden differently—you may avoid payroll tax but still owe tools, bonuses, or agency fees. Compare with the contractor salary tool.
Should burden include laptop and software?
For planning, yes. Include recurring tool stipends and hardware amortization if material.