True Cost of Hiring Calculator
The fully loaded cost of a Government & Public Sector hire in California combines California’s 3.4% SUTA rate with the Government & Public Sector workers’ comp rate of $1.10/$100, typical Government & Public Sector benefits, and overhead.
Open the CalculatorPre-configured with California tax rates and Government & Public Sector benchmarks. Adjust salary, benefits, and overhead to model your specific hire.
Total Annual Cost
$87,218
Loaded multiplier: 1.34× base salary
Open the interactive calculator to adjust every input and export a PDF report.
Combined California state tax rates and Government & Public Sector industry benchmarks for 2026.
Each figure combines California statutory rates with Government & Public Sector 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 |
| Government & Public Sector workers’ comp | 1.1 / $100 payroll | Representative estimate | DOL Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs | Aug 2026 |
| Government & Public Sector median salary | $65,000 | Published benchmark | BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics | Aug 2026 |
| Government & Public Sector monthly benefits | $900 | Representative estimate | BLS Employer Costs for Employee Compensation (ECEC) | Aug 2026 |
| 401(k) employer match | 5% | 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 Government & Public Sector hire in California at the median $65,000 salary costs approximately $87,218 fully loaded — a 1.34× multiplier combining California’s 3.4% SUTA with Government & Public Sector workers’ comp at $1.10/$100.
Technology, entertainment, agriculture, and biotech power California’s economy — the largest of any U.S. state.
Government hiring is steady but slow, with retirements creating openings and strong benefits offsetting lower base pay. In California, structured, slow hiring via civil-service exams and clearance processes, with strong benefits and job security.
When hiring Government & Public Sector staff in California, budget for the 3.4% SUTA rate on the first $7,000 of wages, $1.10/$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
Government & Public Sector wages & turnover
Federal employer tax guide
Government & Public Sector industry resource
Government & Public Sector industry resource
Government & Public Sector industry guide →
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 Government & Public Sector workers’ comp rate of $1.10/$100, a typical $65,000 median salary, $900/month benefits, and overhead. Use the calculator above for a precise California Government & Public Sector estimate.
Yes — Workers’ comp required for all employers. The Government & Public Sector class code sets the rate at $1.10 per $100 of payroll.
Government & Public Sector roles typically pay $38,000–$150,000. California Government & Public Sector 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.