This tool calculates the true cost of hiring, including taxes, benefits, recruiting, and ramp time, so you can compare your options with confidence.
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Hiring a permanent employeeFull-time W-2 with salary & benefits
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Engaging a contractorFlexible, project-based engagement
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Not sure yet. Help me compareSee both options side by side
Step 2 of 5
Tell us about the role.
This information tailors the cost analysis and provides industry-specific insights in your report.
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Industry
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Job Title / Role
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Worker Location
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Costs will be calculated using national averages since the worker location may vary.
Anticipated Start Date
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Used to allocate costs by calendar year in the comparison
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Step 3 of 5
Direct Hire Details
Enter the compensation details for this full-time W-2 position.
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Annual Salary
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Recruiting Method
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Yes
No, hiring internally
30%
15%50%
Industry average ranges from 20% to 30% of first-year salary
Ramp-Up Speed
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Fast: minimal onboarding required
Experienced hires with clear deliverables. Approximately 4-week ramp.
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Moderate: some learning curve
Some process and systems knowledge required. Approximately 10-week ramp.
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Significant: requires learning your processes
Cross-departmental or client-facing roles. Approximately 16-week ramp.
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Extended: deep organizational knowledge required
Leadership or roles requiring institutional expertise. Approximately 26-week ramp.
Additional Benefits (Optional)
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% of salary
Default is 3%. Enter 0 if no employer match is offered.
Enter the bonus amount.
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Step 4 of 5
Contractor Details
What would the contractor engagement look like for this role?
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Bill Rate
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Hourly rate charged by the contractor or staffing agency
Engagement Length
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12 months
1 month36 months
Rate & Billing Model
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20 hrs/wk
10 hrs60 hrs
β οΈ Weekly hours are lower than guaranteed retainer hours. You'll be paying for hours not used.
20 hrs
10 hrs60 hrs
$10/hr
$0$20/hr
Discount applied to the hourly rate for guaranteed commitment
0% β No travel (fully remote)
0%100%
Estimated % of engagement weeks requiring contractor travel. Adds $1,000/trip (flight, hotel, car, meals) to contractor cost.
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Step 5 of 5
Your Cost Comparison
Complete breakdown for .
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