Calculator
Workers' Comp Cost Calculator
Estimate your annual premium using real state-level manual rates from the Oregon DCBS 2024 Premium Rate Ranking study.
Your Business Info
Total gross payroll for this class code, all employees.
Defaults to 1.00. Lower (e.g. 0.85) = better-than-average claims; higher = worse.
Fill in your state, class code, and annual payroll to see an estimated premium range.
How this calculator works
Rates come from the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services 2024 Premium Rate Ranking, a study that has collected state-by-state, class-code-by-class-code workers' comp manual rates from every US jurisdiction since 1986. It's the industry-standard cross-state comparison. We use the rates effective January 1, 2024.
The basic premium formula is:
(Annual Payroll ÷ 100) × Manual Rate × Experience Mod = Base PremiumThe manual rates shown include each state's loss cost multiplier and assessments built in (where applicable). We apply your experience mod and show a range of ±20–25% to reflect typical carrier-to-carrier variation from schedule credits, policy credits, and LCM differences.
Important caveats: individual carriers file their own rates and may price above or below these manual rates. High-hazard classes (roofing, trucking, logging) see wider spreads. Small businesses often hit state-specific minimum premiums. And rates change every year — request a quote for numbers that reflect today's market.
Common Questions
About workers' comp cost
How is workers' comp premium calculated?
Workers' compensation premium is calculated using the formula (annual payroll ÷ 100) × manual rate × experience modifier. The manual rate is set per class code by each state's rating bureau (NCCI or WCIRB in California). The experience modifier (e-mod) defaults to 1.00 for new businesses and adjusts up or down based on your claim history after about three years.
How accurate is this workers' comp cost calculator?
This calculator uses real state-level manual rates from the Oregon DCBS 2024 Premium Rate Ranking, an authoritative cross-state comparison collected since 1986. Estimates are accurate for industry-average pricing but actual carrier quotes vary by schedule credits, loss cost multipliers, deductibles, policy credits, and minimum premiums. Expect ±20–25% variation between carriers for the same risk.
What is an experience modifier (e-mod) in workers' comp?
An experience modifier (e-mod or EMR) is a numeric multiplier that adjusts your workers' comp premium based on your claim history compared to similar businesses. A mod of 1.00 is average. Below 1.00 means better-than-average claims (you pay less); above 1.00 means worse-than-average (you pay more). Mods generally range from about 0.75 to 1.50 and are calculated using your last three years of policy data (excluding the most recent year).
Why do workers' comp rates vary so much between states?
State-by-state rate differences reflect legal climate, medical cost inflation, benefit levels, attorney involvement rates, and state-specific rating bureau methodologies. The 2024 DCBS study shows Hawaii (index 2.52) and New York (1.98) at the top of the national ranking, while Arkansas (0.53) and Utah (0.63) are at the bottom. The national median is $1.09 per $100 of payroll.
Can I get an instant workers' comp quote?
This calculator provides a rate-based estimate, not a bindable quote. A real quote requires carrier underwriting — class code verification, payroll audits, prior loss runs, safety program review, and ownership information. Complete quote requests from WC Insurance Quotes are typically reviewed by a licensed agent within one business day.