Crew Payroll Cost Calculator
Enter your crew size, hourly rate, and labor burden percentage to see your true payroll cost — including the hidden costs most contractors miss.
How This Calculator Works
Enter your number of workers, average hourly rate, hours per week, and labor burden percentage. Hit calculate and the tool does the math.
You'll see your true weekly, monthly, and yearly payroll cost — including the per-worker cost and the real hourly rate you're paying once taxes, insurance, and other burden costs are factored in.
Stop underestimating what your crew actually costs. Use this number when pricing jobs so you're covering your full labor expense — not just base wages.
Enter Your Details
Total crew members on payroll
Average base wage across your crew
Taxes, insurance, workers' comp, benefits. Typically 25–40% for contractors.
Your results will appear here
Enter your crew details to see your total payroll cost including labor burden.
Why Your Payroll Costs More Than You Think
Most contractors only think about base wages when pricing jobs. But the true cost of an employee includes taxes, insurance, and benefits that add 25–40% on top.
See the True Cost
Your workers cost more than their hourly wage. This calculator factors in taxes, insurance, workers' comp, and other costs employers pay.
Plan Your Crew Size
See how adding or removing workers impacts your total payroll before you make hiring decisions.
Price Jobs Accurately
Use your true labor cost — not just base wages — when bidding jobs so you don't leave money on the table.
What's Included in Labor Burden?
Labor burden is the additional cost of employing a worker beyond their base wage. Here's what's typically included:
Payroll Taxes (7–10%)
Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), Federal Unemployment (FUTA), and State Unemployment (SUTA) taxes that employers are required to pay.
Workers' Compensation (5–15%)
Required insurance that covers medical costs and lost wages for on-the-job injuries. Rates vary by trade — roofing and construction typically have higher rates.
General Liability Insurance (3–8%)
Protects your business against third-party claims for bodily injury or property damage that occur during operations.
Benefits & Other Costs (5–15%)
Health insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off, training, uniforms, and tools. These costs vary widely depending on what you offer your crew.
Typical total: 25–40% of base wages for most contractors. Use our calculator above with your actual burden rate to see the true cost of your crew.
Ready to Stop Wasting Time on Payroll?
Join over 500 contractors who track piece work, run payroll, and control job costs with Piece Work Pro. Free to start — no credit card required.