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What does that hire really cost?
Salary is roughly two-thirds of the true cost. This compares a permanent hire — loaded salary, recruiting fee and ramp time — against contract staff augmentation over the same period.
Typical US base $150,000 · contract ~$110/hr
1 mo24 mo
110
In-house hire
$155,538
Loaded salary (×1.28) + $30,000 recruiting fee + ramp time
Contract / staff augmentation
$123,695
110/hr × 173 hrs/mo, shorter ramp
Difference over 6 months
$31,843
Contract is cheaper here — typical for engagements under ~18 months, where recruiting fees and ramp time dominate.
What this doesn't capture
- — Cost of a role sitting unfilled (often the largest number of all)
- — Retention risk and the cost of a bad hire
- — Knowledge staying in-house vs. leaving at contract end
Illustrative estimates based on typical US market ranges — not a quote. Actual costs depend on scope, location and requirements. For a real number, talk to us — scoping conversations are free.
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