Private employer costs higher in ERC region, but health costs are less of the total

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers in New England and the Mid-Atlantic states paid the highest total compensation per worker in December 2015 averaging $38.14 and $37.62/hour respectively; well above the US average of $31.70. Health insurance costs were also highest in New England and the Mid-Atlantic states, but not as a percent of total compensation. Health insurance was 7.7% and 7.8% of total compensation in New England and the Mid-Atlantic states, respectively. In comparison, health insurance comprised 8.5% of total compensation in West South Central states (AR, LA, OK and TX), 8.3% in West North Central states (IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, SD and ND) and 8.2% in East South Central states (AL, KY, MS and TN). Nationally, life and disability insurance costs sixteen times less than health insurance benefits.