State Unemployment Insurance (SUI) Rates by State 2026
Minimum
State | Wages Subjected To Tax 2026↓ | |
|---|---|---|
 | Iowa | $369,500 |
 | Washington | $72,800 |
 | Hawaii | $62,000 |
 | Idaho | $55,300 |
 | Oregon | $54,300 |
 | Alaska | $51,700 |
 | Utah | $48,900 |
 | Montana | $45,100 |
 | North Dakota | $45,100 |
 | New Jersey | $43,300 |
 | Minnesota | $43,000 |
 | Nevada | $41,800 |
 | New Mexico | $33,200 |
 | North Carolina | $32,600 |
 | Wyoming | $32,400 |
 | Rhode Island | $29,800 |
 | Oklahoma | $28,200 |
 | Colorado | $27,200 |
 | Connecticut | $26,100 |
 | Massachusetts | $15,000 |
 | South Dakota | $15,000 |
 | Vermont | $14,800 |
 | Kansas | $14,000 |
 | Mississippi | $14,000 |
 | New Hampshire | $14,000 |
 | South Carolina | $14,000 |
 | Wisconsin | $14,000 |
 | Illinois | $13,916 |
 | New York | $12,800 |
 | Delaware | $12,500 |
 | Maine | $12,000 |
 | Kentucky | $11,700 |
 | Pennsylvania | $10,000 |
 | Georgia | $9,500 |
 | Indiana | $9,500 |
 | Missouri | $9,500 |
 | West Virginia | $9,500 |
 | Michigan | $9,000 |
 | Nebraska | $9,000 |
 | Ohio | $9,000 |
 | Texas | $9,000 |
 | Maryland | $8,500 |
 | Alabama | $8,000 |
 | Arizona | $8,000 |
 | Virginia | $8,000 |
 | Louisiana | $7,700 |
 | California | $7,001 |
 | Arkansas | $7,000 |
 | Florida | $7,000 |
 | Tennessee | $7,000 |
- SUI is an abbreviation for State Unemployment Insurance
State Unemployment Insurance (SUI) rates play a crucial role in safeguarding workers against financial hardship during periods of unemployment. These rates, determined by each state’s labor department, reflect the percentage of an employee’s wages that an employer must contribute to fund unemployment benefits. Understanding SUI rates is essential for businesses and workers alike, as they directly impact payroll costs and the financial stability of the unemployment insurance system.
The variation in SUI rates across states is influenced by a multitude of factors, including each state’s unemployment rate, economic conditions, and the health of its unemployment insurance trust fund. States with higher unemployment rates or greater demand for unemployment benefits typically have higher SUI rates to replenish their trust funds and ensure adequate coverage for jobless individuals. Conversely, states with lower unemployment rates may impose lower SUI rates to alleviate financial burdens on employers while still maintaining a stable insurance system.
As depicted in the accompanying table, SUI rates vary widely among states, ranging from 0% to over 20%. For example, states like New York and the District of Columbia have relatively higher SUI rates, reflecting their dense populations and higher demand for unemployment benefits. On the other hand, states like Texas and Utah boast lower SUI rates, indicative of their healthier economic climates and lower unemployment rates.
