Define Role and Budget
3-5 daysWrite job description, set salary range from market data, calculate fully loaded cost.
Field context
This workflow is part of 3 niche fields
Free step-by-step small business hiring for small business owners. Plan small business hiring with calculators and checklists covering define role and budget.
Write job description, set salary range from market data, calculate fully loaded cost.
Post on Indeed/LinkedIn, phone screen, structured interview scorecard.
Extend written offer, collect I-9/W-4, register state payroll account.
First-week checklist, harassment training, post labor law posters.
Set competitive salary from gross to net expectations.
Show candidate take-home for offer transparency.
Budget fully loaded employee cost in annual plan.
Model sales comp if role includes commission.
Compare contractor vs W-2 cost (misclassification risk).
Typical employer payroll taxes on wages.
| Tax | Employer Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | 6.2% | Wage base capped |
| Medicare | 1.45% | No cap |
| FUTA | 0.6% | After credit |
| State UI | Varies | By state |
Bad hires cost 30%+ of annual salary — take time on screening.
Weekly notes during probation simplify separation if needed.
PEO bundles payroll and compliance if HR is new to you.