Employee vs Contractor Calculator

Compare the true cost of hiring an employee versus a contractor.

2026 Tax YearData stays on your deviceUpdated Apr 1, 2026

Employee

$

Contractor

$

Employee is $7,397.25/year cheaper

Employee Total Cost

$92,602.75

Salary: $80,000.00

Employer CPP: $4,230.45

Employer EI: $1,572.30

Vacation: $3,200.00

WSIB: $1,200.00

Benefits: $2,400.00

Contractor Total Cost

$100,000.00

No CPP, EI, benefits, vacation, or WSIB overhead

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do contractors charge more per hour?
Contractors absorb costs that employers otherwise pay: both CPP portions, their own benefits, vacation, equipment, professional development, and business expenses. A 20-40% premium over equivalent salary is typical.

Official Data Sources

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Konstantin IakovlevBuilt and reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Data from CRA, CMHC, Bank of Canada · Methodology

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on publicly available data from CRA and other government sources. It does not constitute financial advice. Consult a qualified advisor for decisions about your specific situation.

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