| Option | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Office / clerical | $800–$1,000 |
| Retail / food service | $1,200–$1,950 |
| Manufacturing | $1,600–$2,600 |
| Construction | $2,000–$3,250 |
| Transportation | $3,000+ |
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| Industry | Rate per $100 Payroll |
|---|---|
| Office / clerical | $0.20–$0.50 |
| Retail / restaurant | $0.75–$2.00 |
| Construction (general) | $3.00–$10.00 |
| Roofing | $15.00–$25.00 |
| Manufacturing | $2.00–$8.00 |
| Trucking | $5.00–$12.00 |
Workers' comp is required in every state except Texas (where it is optional but strongly recommended). On a $50,000 payroll for an office worker at $0.35/$100, annual premium is just $175. For a roofer at $20/$100, that same $50,000 payroll costs $10,000/year. Premiums are adjusted based on your Experience Modification Rate (EMR): a perfect safety record reduces premiums 10–30%, while claims increase them 10–50%. Pay-as-you-go policies through companies like Next Insurance or Pie Insurance let you pay monthly based on actual payroll instead of estimated annual premiums.
Workers Comp Insurance premiums are calculated from risk factors specific to your situation. Carriers weigh these factors differently, which is why quotes vary so widely. Your claims history, location, coverage limits, and deductible all interact to determine your rate.
The cheapest policy is not always the best value. Coverage exclusions, claim response times, and financial stability of the carrier matter when you actually need to file a claim. Check AM Best ratings for financial strength and J.D. Power for customer satisfaction before choosing based on price alone.