AFH Staffing Cost Calculator
Estimate monthly staffing cost from caregiver hours, wages, overtime, and payroll tax assumptions. This does not determine legally required staffing.
These calculators provide estimates for planning purposes only. Actual costs, reimbursement rates, taxes, staffing requirements, licensing requirements, and profitability can vary by location and individual circumstances. This tool is not financial, legal, tax, licensing, or medical advice. Results are based on entered assumptions.
How it works
- Regular hours = caregiver hours per day × days per month.
- Regular staffing cost = hourly wage × regular hours.
- Overtime cost = hourly wage × overtime multiplier × overtime hours.
- Payroll burden = (regular cost + overtime cost) × payroll tax percentage.
- Total estimated monthly staffing cost adds regular, overtime, and payroll burden.
Example using the default assumptions
Sixteen hours a day at $22 per hour for 30 days is 480 regular hours and $10,560 in regular wages. With 12% payroll tax and no overtime, estimated monthly staffing cost is $11,827.
Important assumptions
- Hours per day are total paid caregiver hours for the home, not hours per resident.
- The resident count is for your reference and does not automatically change hours.
- Overtime hours are treated as additional hours in the month, not hours per day.
- Payroll tax percentage is an estimate you enter; it is not a complete benefits package.
- This tool does not calculate legally required staffing, awake-night coverage, or nurse delegation needs.
Frequently asked questions
Does this tell me how many caregivers I must hire?
No. Staffing requirements depend on state rules, resident needs, and your care model. Enter the hours you plan to schedule.
Should owner hours be included?
If you want a full labor picture, include owner caregiving hours at a wage you consider fair, or leave them out and remember that owner time is unpaid in the result.
What payroll tax percentage should I use?
Employer payroll costs vary. Many operators start with a planning percentage and then replace it with their payroll provider's actual burden, including unemployment and workers' compensation if desired.
How is overtime handled?
Overtime hours are extra hours in the month multiplied by your overtime rate (wage × multiplier). Standard time-and-a-half is 1.5.
Can I model more than one wage rate?
This version uses one average wage. If you have mixed rates, use a weighted average or run the calculator once per role and add the results.
Are benefits included?
Only if you fold them into wage or payroll tax. Health insurance and paid leave are not separate fields.
Need another AFH estimate?
Explore occupancy, staffing, startup costs, Medicaid rates, and other Adult Family Home planning tools. Every calculator is free and works without an account.
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