MarginJob

Contractor Labor Cost in New York

Workers’ compensation and payroll basics that change a New York contractor’s true hourly labor cost, with official starting points.

New York requires workers’ compensation for nearly all employers

New York generally requires workers’ compensation coverage for employers with employees. Construction work also involves specific state wage, safety, and public-work rules that can change labor cost.

What changes labor cost in New York

  • Workers’ compensation classification and policy rate.
  • State unemployment (SUI) rate assigned to the employer.
  • State and local minimum wage and overtime rules.
  • Prevailing wage and supplement requirements on public work.

Official starting points

New York State Workers’ Compensation Board. Confirm your policy, classification, and payroll records for the rate to enter.

Enter your verified numbers in the Labor Burden Calculator. See also State Payroll Costs.

MarginJob does not assert a New York workers’ compensation, SUI, or wage rate. Use current business and insurer records.

Reviewed August 28, 2026 · Educational orientation only.