Question 1

What is the Oklahoma SUTA rate for new employers in 2026?

Accepted Answer

New employers in Oklahoma pay 1.5% state unemployment tax on the first $25,000.00 of each employee's wages. Unchanged from 2025. Established employers receive an annual rate notice based on their history.

Question 2

What is the Oklahoma unemployment tax wage base for 2026?

Accepted Answer

Oklahoma taxes the first $25,000.00 of each employee's wages for unemployment insurance. Down from $28,200 in 2025. Wages above that amount are not subject to SUTA.

Question 3

How much does it cost to hire an employee in Oklahoma?

Accepted Answer

Using a typical scenario — a $60,000 salary, Oklahoma's new employer SUTA rate, office workers' comp, $500/month health insurance and a 3% retirement match — the total annual cost comes to about $72,957.00, or 1.22 times the salary. Use the calculator above with your own numbers.

Question 4

Does Oklahoma have paid family leave contributions?

Accepted Answer

No, Oklahoma does not currently run a state paid family and medical leave insurance program, so there is no mandatory PFML payroll contribution.

Question 5

Do employers in Oklahoma pay state income tax on employee wages?

Accepted Answer

Oklahoma has a state income tax on wages, but it is withheld from the employee's pay — it is not an employer cost. Employers are responsible for withholding and remitting it correctly.

Wages	$60,000.00
Social Security (6.2%)	$3,720.00
Medicare (1.45%)	$870.00
FUTA (federal unemployment)	$42.00
State unemployment (SUTA)	$375.00
Workers' comp	$150.00
Total annual cost	$65,157.00

New employer SUTA rate	1.5%Unchanged from 2025.
Experienced employer SUTA range	0.2% – 5.8%
SUTA taxable wage base	$25,000.00Down from $28,200 in 2025.
Max SUTA per employee per year	$375.00
Paid family/medical leave program	No
State income tax on wages	Yes — employers withhold; not an employer cost
Source	Oklahoma unemployment insurance agencyVerified 2026-10-11

State	New employer rate	Wage base	Max SUTA per employee
Oklahoma	1.5%	$25,000.00	$375.00
Kansas	2.7%	$14,000.00	$378.00
Missouri	2.376%	$9,000.00	$213.84
Arkansas	2%	$7,000.00	$140.00
Texas	2.7%	$9,000.00	$243.00
New Mexico	1%	$34,800.00	$348.00
Colorado	3.05%	$30,600.00	$933.30

Oklahoma Employee Cost Calculator (2026)

Oklahoma employer payroll taxes at a glance

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