Payroll Cost per Employee in Arizona
2026 estimates — total employer cost including taxes and benefits
Min wage in Arizona: $14.35/hr (2025; annually indexed to CPI) | SUTA: 0.07–20.93% on first $8,000
Calculate Total Payroll Cost in Arizona
Payroll Tax Breakdown — Arizona 2026
| Tax / Cost | Rate / Rule | Annual Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Base salary | Per agreement | $53,350 |
| Social Security (employer) | 6.2% on first $168,600 | $3,308 |
| Medicare (employer) | 1.45% of all wages | $774 |
| FUTA (federal unemployment) | 0.6% on first $7,000 | $42 |
| Arizona SUTA | 0.07–20.93% on first $8,000 | $375 |
| Benefits (health, 401k, etc) | ~18% of salary (typical) | $9,603 |
| Total Employer Cost | $67,829 | |
Based on $53,350 median salary in Arizona. SUTA rate shown is approximate average — actual rate depends on claims history. Additional: No significant additional payroll taxes — Arizona simplified to a 2.5% flat rate in 2023, eliminating the graduated structure.
Payroll Requirements in Arizona
1. Arizona Payroll Tax & Compliance Overview
Arizona has a simplified payroll environment following its 2023 flat income tax reform. State income tax withholding is now 2.5% for most taxpayers — a dramatic simplification from prior graduated rates. No paid family leave mandate, no SDI as of 2026. SUTA wage base is low ($8,000) with highly variable rates. Arizona is a right-to-work state with a competitive business environment. Minimum wage is indexed to CPI ($14.35 in 2025).
2. Top Tips for Arizona Employers
Arizona employers: standard payroll software handles all Arizona requirements efficiently. Arizona's 2.5% flat income tax rate eliminates complex rate tables. Key compliance: verify current minimum wage each January 1st (it adjusts with CPI). Arizona workers' comp uses private insurers — shop competitively each year, as rates vary significantly between carriers and by job class code. No paid leave mandates simplify compliance vs. states like California or Washington.
3. Key Arizona Payroll Facts
- Minimum wage: $14.35/hr (2025; annually indexed to CPI)
- State income tax: 2.5% flat rate (as of 2023 post-reform; formerly graduated)
- State unemployment (SUTA): 0.07–20.93% on first $8,000
- Additional: No significant additional payroll taxes — Arizona simplified to a 2.5% flat rate in 2023, eliminating the graduated structure
Run Arizona Payroll Automatically
Automated payroll software handles Arizona tax calculations, filings, and W-2s for $40–$150/month.
Payroll Software Cost Comparison — Arizona 2026
At $5,652/month total employer cost, automating payroll for $53,350 median salary employees costs 27% above base salary. Software adds just 0.1–0.3% but eliminates costly compliance errors.
| Software | Base Price | Per Employee |
|---|---|---|
| Gusto Top pick | $46/mo | +$6/emp/mo |
| QuickBooks Payroll Core | $45/mo | +$6/emp/mo |
| ADP Run Essentials | ~$65/mo | +$4/emp/mo |
| Rippling | $35/mo | +$8/emp/mo |
Prices as of 2026. All four platforms handle Arizona state tax filings automatically. 10-employee team example: Gusto = $106/mo, QuickBooks = $105/mo, ADP ≈ $105/mo, Rippling = $115/mo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Arizona Payroll Summary
- →Avg salary: $53,350/yr
- →Total cost: $67,829/yr
- →Overhead rate: ~27% above salary
- →Min wage: $14.35/hr (2025; annually indexed to CPI)
- →State income tax: 2.5% flat rate (as of 2023 post-reform; formerly graduated)