True Cost of Hiring Calculator
The fully loaded cost of a Construction hire in California combines California’s 3.4% SUTA rate with the Construction workers’ comp rate of $5.50/$100, typical Construction benefits, and overhead.
Open the CalculatorPre-configured with California tax rates and Construction benchmarks. Adjust salary, benefits, and overhead to model your specific hire.
Total Annual Cost
$83,978
Loaded multiplier: 1.29× base salary
Open the interactive calculator to adjust every input and export a PDF report.
Combined California state tax rates and Construction industry benchmarks for 2026.
Each figure combines California statutory rates with Construction industry estimates. Statutory rates are fixed by law; published benchmarks come from BLS and SHRM; representative estimates vary by employer and carrier; and benefit/overhead defaults are editable TrueHireCost modeling assumptions.
| Metric | Value | Type | Source | Last verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California SUTA rate | 3.4% | Representative estimate | Employment Development Department (EDD) | Aug 2026 |
| California SUTA wage base | $7,000 | Official statutory figure | Employment Development Department (EDD) | Aug 2026 |
| Construction workers’ comp | 5.5 / $100 payroll | Representative estimate | DOL Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs | Aug 2026 |
| Construction median salary | $65,000 | Published benchmark | BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics | Aug 2026 |
| Construction monthly benefits | $500 | Representative estimate | BLS Employer Costs for Employee Compensation (ECEC) | Aug 2026 |
| 401(k) employer match | 3% | TrueHireCost modeling assumption | TrueHireCost methodology | Aug 2026 |
| Annual overhead | $2,200 | TrueHireCost modeling assumption | TrueHireCost methodology | Aug 2026 |
| California minimum wage | $16.90/hr | Official statutory figure | Employment Development Department (EDD) | Aug 2026 |
| Employer FICA | 7.65% | Official statutory figure | IRS Publication 15 (Circular E) | Aug 2026 |
How to read this table
A Construction hire in California at the median $65,000 salary costs approximately $83,978 fully loaded — a 1.29× multiplier combining California’s 3.4% SUTA with Construction workers’ comp at $5.50/$100.
Technology, entertainment, agriculture, and biotech power California’s economy — the largest of any U.S. state.
Construction hiring is steady but constrained by skilled-labor shortages, with infrastructure spending supporting demand through 2026. In California, project-based, seasonal hiring of tradespeople, laborers, and supervisors tied to construction cycles and weather.
When hiring Construction staff in California, budget for the 3.4% SUTA rate on the first $7,000 of wages, $5.50/$100 workers’ comp, and state income tax withholding up to 13.3%. California SDI withholds $1.30/$100 of wages (employee-funded; employer remits).
Employment Development Department (EDD)
California workforce agency
Construction wages & turnover
Federal employer tax guide
Associated General Contractors
Construction industry resource
Construction industry resource
Editorial Standards
Maintained by the TrueHireCost editorial team
TrueHireCost is an independent research and tooling project. Our content is written and maintained by the TrueHireCost editorial team — not by a licensed CPA, attorney, or HR certificant, and no named professional endorses or "verifies" these pages. Rates, wage bases, and benchmarks are collected from official public sources (IRS, U.S. Department of Labor, state workforce agencies, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics) and labeled with their source and last-reviewed date. State SUTA, workers’ comp, and minimum-wage figures are representative new-employer estimates and should be confirmed with the agency for your specific situation.
Found an outdated rate or a calculation that looks wrong? Email editorial@truehirecost.com and we’ll review and correct it. TrueHireCost is an informational tool, not professional tax, legal, or HR advice — consult a qualified professional before making hiring or payroll decisions.
Last updated 2026-08-24
Every rate and formula is checked against the issuing agency before publication. Last updated 2026-08-24.
IRS
FICA, FUTA tax rate & wage base
U.S. DOL
FUTA credit, federal wage & hour
State Workforce Agencies
SUTA rates, wage bases, new-employer rates
BLS
Industry salary benchmarks & turnover
The fully loaded cost combines California’s 3.4% SUTA rate with the Construction workers’ comp rate of $5.50/$100, a typical $65,000 median salary, $500/month benefits, and overhead. Use the calculator above for a precise California Construction estimate.
Yes — Workers’ comp required for all employers. The Construction class code sets the rate at $5.50 per $100 of payroll.
Construction roles typically pay $38,000–$110,000. California Construction salaries may vary by metro and experience.
For Estimation Purposes Only
TrueHireCost provides hiring cost estimates for informational purposes only and is not professional tax, legal, or HR advice. Actual employer costs vary by experience rating, industry classification, carrier, and jurisdiction. Consult a qualified CPA, tax advisor, or HR professional before making hiring or payroll decisions.