Home/Tools/The true cost of a first hire: country guide
guide · Team Council · Updated 14 October 2026
The true cost of a first hire: country guide
A practical worksheet for estimating what a first hire may cost beyond their stated wage. Use it to gather local figures, compare scenarios and identify questions to resolve before making a commitment.
First-hire cost template
Fill in the brackets. Use your own currency throughout. If a cost does not apply, enter “not applicable” and note why; do not leave an unclear blank.
| Item | Your figure or answer | Source, date checked and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Business location and work location | [country, state/province/region, city] | [official source or adviser; date] |
| Role and work arrangement | [role; employee/other status to confirm; on-site/remote] | [classification question to confirm] |
| Hours and schedule | [hours per week; expected start date; expected end date, if any] | [assumptions] |
| Base pay | [hourly, weekly or annual amount and currency] | [how pay was set; applicable minimum or other rule checked] |
| Expected extra pay | [overtime, commission, bonus, allowances: amount or estimate] | [when payable; rule checked] |
| Employer contributions and payroll charges | [amount or rate; calculation base] | [official source; date; adviser confirmation] |
| Required or planned benefits | [leave, insurance, pension or other items; amounts] | [which are required, optional or not applicable] |
| Recruitment and onboarding | [advertising, screening, checks, onboarding time] | [one-time or recurring] |
| Tools and workplace | [equipment, software, workspace, safety items] | [one-time cost; ongoing cost; replacement assumption] |
| Payroll and administration | [registration, payroll provider, accounting or other fees] | [setup cost; recurring fee; filing frequency] |
| Training and supervision | [training, manager time, paid learning time] | [estimate and assumptions] |
| Other local requirements | [permits, insurance, notices or other items to verify] | [official source; date checked] |
| Contingency | [amount and reason] | [what uncertainty it covers; avoid double-counting] |