Employer of Record for Kansas

Guide to Hiring Employees in Kansas

Your guide to hiring employees in Kansas, covering employment and labor laws, payroll, benefits, onboarding and taxes. You can also manage and pay your contractors in Kansas through Playroll.

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Iconic Image Of Kansas

Capital City

Topeka

Timezone

CST

(

GMT-6

)

Paid Leave

Sick & Voting Leave

Income Tax

3.1% - 5.7%

Employer Tax

0.17% - 6.40%

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How to Hire Employees In Kansas

Hiring in Kansas for the first time can be challenging, especially with the state's complex employment laws. Whether you're hiring independent contractors, setting up a legal entity, partnering with a PEO, or using an Employer of Record (EOR), it's essential to understand the local employment landscape. Playroll's comprehensive guide is here to help, whether you're onboarding local talent or relocating team members.

Here are four primary ways companies can hire employees in Kansas:

  • Establishing a local entity: Creating a legal entity in Kansas allows for direct hiring, but it can be costly and time-consuming. However, it gives you full control over employment and reduces risk exposure.
  • Partnering with an Employer of Record (EOR): An EOR, like Playroll, takes on the legal responsibilities of employment, acting as the employer on your behalf. This option streamlines hiring, payroll, and compliance with Kansas’s labor laws, helping you hire in Kansas without navigating the complex legal landscape yourself.
  • Working with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO): A PEO, such as Playroll, co-employs your team, managing essential HR functions like payroll, benefits, and compliance. Partnering with a PEO ensures you meet Kansas’s labor regulations while offering competitive employee benefits.
  • Hiring independent contractors: Hiring independent contractors can be more cost-effective, but Kansas has strict contractor classification rules. Proper classification is essential to avoid penalties for misclassification when hiring in Kansas.

Complying with Kansas specific employment regulations and federal laws is critical to avoiding legal risks and costly fines. Our guide focuses on hiring in Kansas, employment compliance, and how Playroll’s services can support your business as you navigate the complexities of hiring in the state.

Good To Know

As of 2024, Kansas has an estimated population of approximately 2.9 million people.

Kansas has a diverse economy with key industries including agriculture, manufacturing, and aviation.

The state is known for its strong aerospace sector, with several major companies operating in the region.

Kansas adheres to federal labor laws but has specific state regulations regarding overtime and minimum wage.

Key Things to Know About Hiring in Kansas

Labor Laws in Kansas

Working Hours in Kansas

Kansas has specific employment and labor laws governing working hours, designed to protect employees’ rights and ensure fair compensation. Whether you’re hiring local employees or working with an Employer of Record (EOR), it's essential to understand the state's regulations around working hours to ensure compliance.

1. Standard Workweek and Overtime

     
  • Standard Work Hours: The standard workweek in Kansas typically consists of 40 hours, aligning with federal guidelines.
  •  
  • Overtime Regulations: Kansas labor laws require employers to pay overtime to employees not covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) at a rate of one and a half times (1½) their regular rate of pay when they work more than 46 hours in a workweek, unless otherwise exempt.

2. Meal and Rest Breaks

     
  • Meal Breaks: Kansas labor laws do not require employers to provide meal periods or breaks to employees.
  •  
  • Rest Breaks: There is no state requirement for rest breaks; however, federal law applies.

Minimum Wage in Kansas

As of 2024, the minimum wage in Kansas is $7.25 per hour, which aligns with the federal minimum wage.

     

Overtime in Kansas

Kansas labor laws require employers to pay overtime to employees who are not covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) when they work more than 46 hours in a workweek. The overtime rate is one and a half times (1½) the employee's regular rate of pay unless the employee is exempt. Exempt employees typically include executive, administrative, and professional roles.

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Onboarding New Hires in Kansas

We can help you get your new employee started in Kansas fast, with a minimum onboarding time from just 1-2 working days. Note that the timeline is dependent upon registration with the local authorities, and begins after the employee has submitted all the required information on the Playroll platform.

For non-citizens of the US, a work eligibility assessment may be required, and can add three extra days to the onboarding time. If a follow-up is needed, there may be additional delays.

Please note that payroll cut-off dates can impact the actual first day of employment. Playroll’s payroll cut-off date is the 10th of the month, unless otherwise specified.

Payroll Taxes For Kansas

Payroll taxes in Kansas are deductions employers must take from employees’ wages and remit to the state. These taxes fund various state programs and services, including unemployment benefits and disability insurance. Examples of payroll taxes include:

     
  • State Income Tax: Kansas imposes a state income tax with rates ranging from 3.1% to 5.7%, depending on the employee's income level.
  •  
  • Unemployment Insurance Tax: Employers are required to pay unemployment insurance taxes, with rates ranging from 0.17% to 6.40%, based on the employer's experience rating.

Payroll Cycle in Kansas

Employers in Kansas must pay employees at least once a month. The employer must establish regular paydays and inform employees of these paydays in advance. While the state mandates a minimum monthly payment, many employers opt for more frequent payroll cycles, such as biweekly or weekly, to align with industry standards and employee preferences.

Looking to grow your team in Kansas?

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Kansas Employment Taxes

Employment taxes and statutory fees affect both your payroll and your employees’ paychecks in Kansas. Understanding the tax obligations for both employers and employees is crucial when operating in Kansas's business landscape.

Employer Tax Contributions

Employers in Kansas are responsible for several employment taxes, including unemployment insurance taxes and contributions to workers' compensation. The unemployment insurance tax rates range from 0.17% to 6.40%, depending on the employer's experience rating.

Employer payroll contributions are generally estimated at an additional 0.17% to 6.40% on top of the employee salary in Kansas.

Employment Tax Type Tax Rate
Unemployment Insurance Tax 0.17% - 6.40%

Employee Tax Contributions

Employee tax contributions are generally estimated at 3.1% - 5.7% of employee salary in Kansas.

Employee Payroll Tax Contribution Tax Rate
State Income Tax 3.1% - 5.7%
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The tax-related information provided in this guide is intended for general guidance and informational purposes only. Reach out to our dedicated team for insights on remote hiring in Kansas tailored to your needs.

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Benefit Requirements for Employers in Kansas

In Kansas, employers are mandated to provide specific benefits to their employees, such as unemployment insurance and workers' compensation. While the state does not require employers to offer health insurance to all employees, the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates that employers with 50 or more full-time employees provide health insurance coverage. To learn more about employee benefits, visit our product page.

Employee Benefits For Kansas

Competitive benefits are essential for attracting and retaining top talent in Kansas. Offering the right package helps employees feel valued and motivated. Our benefits experts understand the local labor market's trends, requirements, and expectations, ensuring your employees feel valued and supported. Common benefits in our Kansas packages include:

  • Pension or 401(K)
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Health Savings Plan (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  •  

Paid and Unpaid Leave Policies in Kansas

Family and Medical Leave

Employers must comply with the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), offering up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave.

Military Leave

Employees are entitled to military leave under federal law, ensuring job protection during service.

Jury Duty Leave

Employers must provide unpaid leave for employees summoned for jury duty.

Voting Leave

Employees must be granted up to two hours of paid time off to vote.

Bereavement Leave

No state requirement, but employers may offer bereavement leave voluntarily.

It’s Easy To Manage Benefits For Employees In Kansas With Playroll

Employment Termination Protocols in Kansas

Hiring Employees in Kansas with an employer of record

Discuss how an EOR handles onboarding, including setting up compliant employment contracts, registering for taxes, and managing benefits like Kansas's superannuation system (if applicable).

The employer of record is responsible for:

  • Employment Compliance: Ensure all employment contracts comply with Kansas's labor laws and regulations, including proper classification of employees.
  • Payroll Management: Calculate, process, and distribute employee salaries in accordance with Kansas's payroll laws, including deductions for taxes and social security contributions.
  • Tax Filing and Contributions: Handle the registration, filing, and payment of employer taxes and social security contributions to the relevant authorities.
  • Employment Contracts: Draft and maintain compliant employment agreements, detailing salary, benefits, working hours, and termination terms in line with Kansas's legal requirements.
  • Benefits Administration: Provide mandatory employee benefits as required by Kansas's labor laws, such as health insurance, pension contributions, and statutory leave.

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Employer of Record for Kansas

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FAQS

FAQs About Hiring In Kansas

How to submit payroll taxes in Kansas?

Employers in Kansas are required to register with the Kansas Department of Revenue to obtain a withholding tax account number. Once registered, employers must withhold state income tax from employees' wages and remit these taxes to the Department of Revenue on a regular basis, typically monthly or quarterly, depending on the amount withheld. Employers can submit payroll taxes electronically through the Kansas Department of Revenue's online portal.

Is there a minimum wage requirement for employees in Kansas?

Yes, as of 2024, the minimum wage in Kansas is $7.25 per hour, which aligns with the federal minimum wage. Employers are required to pay this minimum rate to non-exempt employees. Certain employees, such as tipped workers, may have different minimum wage requirements.

Are employers required to offer 401(k) in Kansas?

No, employers in Kansas are not required by state law to offer a 401(k) or any other retirement plan to their employees. However, many employers choose to provide retirement plans as part of their benefits package to attract and retain employees.

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