Workers' Compensation Premium Calculator

Estimate your workers' compensation insurance premium based on your state, industry class code, payroll, and experience modification rate.

This calculator provides educational estimates of workers' compensation premiums using publicly available NCCI class code rates and state multipliers. Actual premiums depend on your specific claims history, carrier, and policy details.

Coverage

All 50 states + DC

Class Codes

30+ common codes

Factors

State, payroll, EMR

This tool provides educational estimates only. Actual workers' compensation premiums are determined by licensed insurance carriers based on your complete risk profile. Always obtain quotes from licensed agents for accurate pricing.

Step 1: Select Your State

State regulations significantly affect your premium

Step 2: NCCI Class Code

Search by code number, job description, or industry

Step 3: Business Details

Enter your annual payroll and workforce size

Annual Payroll ($)

Number of Employees

Step 4: Experience Mod Rate

Your EMR compares your claims history to industry average

Good

1.00 = industry average. New businesses typically start at 1.00. Ranges from 0.60 to 2.00+.

What Affects Your Workers' Comp Rate?

Understanding these factors can help you lower your premium over time.

Class Code & Industry

Your NCCI class code is the single biggest factor. High-risk trades like roofing can be 100x the rate of office work.

Experience Mod Rate (EMR)

Your EMR reflects claims history vs. industry average. Below 1.0 saves money; above 1.0 costs more. New businesses start at 1.0.

State Regulations

Each state sets its own rate structure and rules. Four states (OH, ND, WA, WY) require purchase from the state fund.

Safety Programs & Credits

Drug-free workplace programs, formal safety plans, and premium discount programs can reduce your rate by 5-15%.

This calculator provides educational estimates only. Actual workers' compensation premiums are determined by licensed insurance carriers based on your complete risk profile, claims history, payroll audit results, and state regulatory filings. Always obtain quotes from licensed agents for accurate pricing.

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How to Use This Tool

Follow these steps to estimate your workers' compensation premium:

Select Your State

Choose the state where your employees work. Workers' comp rates and requirements vary significantly by state.

Choose Your Class Code

Select the NCCI class code that best matches your employees' work duties. Class codes determine the base rate for your industry.

Enter Payroll & EMR

Enter your annual payroll and experience modification rate (EMR). New businesses typically have an EMR of 1.0.

Review Your Estimate

View your estimated annual and monthly premium, per-employee cost, and cost breakdown by factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is this calculator?

This calculator uses published NCCI base rates and state multipliers to provide educational estimates. Actual premiums may differ based on your claims history, carrier discounts, policy structure, and other factors. Use this as a starting point, then get quotes from licensed agents.

What is an experience modification rate (EMR)?

Your EMR reflects your company's claims history compared to similar businesses. An EMR of 1.0 is average. Below 1.0 means fewer claims than average (lower premium), above 1.0 means more claims (higher premium). New businesses typically start at 1.0.

Do all states require workers' compensation?

Almost all states require workers' compensation insurance for businesses with employees, but thresholds vary. Some states exempt sole proprietors or businesses with fewer than a certain number of employees. Use our State Requirements Checker for details.