The cost of misclassification to workers in Maryland, low and high estimates, net difference relative to W-2 workers, 2024 dollars

Occupation Low estimate High estimate
Construction workers $10,155  $15,540 
Customer Service reps/Call
center workers
$7,994  $11,047 
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer
Truck Drivers
$13,075  $21,177 
Home health and personal
care aides
$7,533  $10,422 
Janitors and Cleaners $7,206  $9,946 
Landscaping Workers $7,815  $10,797 
Light truck delivery drivers $11,401  $18,440 
Housekeeping cleaners $6,221  $8,571 
Manicurists and pedicurists $7,258  $10,370 
Retail Sales Workers $6,111  $8,300 
Security guards $7,816  $10,800 
Economic Policy Institute

Notes: Estimates represent the difference between a value job to a W-2 employee compared to an independent contractor under two models. The low estimates refer to the difference when an independent contractor receives full compensation for health and retirement benefits. The high estimate is calculated as the difference when the independent contractor receives no compensation for health and retirement benefits.

Source: EPI analysis of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Employer Cost for Employee Compensation (ECEC) 2024Q2 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Research Estimates by State and Industry May 2023 data.

View the underlying data on epi.org.