Workers Compensation Insurance Cost Per State in 2026
Workers Comp in Texas, California, New York, and More
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Workers’ Compensation Insurance, also known as Workman’s Compensation Insurance, is a government-mandated insurance program that provides employees with benefits if they are injured as a result of work-related injury or illness with medical, disability, and rehabilitation insurance.
In almost all states, businesses are required by law to have workers’ compensation insurance, with a few exceptions. Let’s have a look into worker’s compensation insurance by state.
Workers Comp Insurance in New York
New York usually jumps between first and second place on the list of the most expensive workers’ compensation insurance plans in the country. Currently, he ranks second only to New Jersey, with a premium index rate averaging $2.23 per $100 salary.
Most states adhere to the National Compensation Insurance Council (NCCI) and its data classification and Experience Modification Rate (EMR). However, in New York, rates are calculated based on several factors that vary from company to company and are regulated by the New York Compensation Insurance Rating Board (NYCIRB).
Top Workers Comp Insurance Companies in New York
- State Insurance Fund Workers’ Comp
- Travelers
- The Hartford
- AmTrust Financial
- Chubb
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Workers Compensation California
Workers’ comp insurance cost differs from state to state as they are not regulated at the federal level. California currently has her fourth-highest working premium in the US with an index rate of his $2.16. Only track the following states:
- New Jersey: $2.52
- New York: $2.23
- Vermont: $2.21
Top Workers Comp Insurance Companies in California
- State Compensation Insurance Fund
- Berkshire Hathaway
- ICW
- The Hartford
- Travelers

Workers Comp Texas
Texas law is different, employers are not required to have employee compensation insurance. Limited exceptions to this rule may include:
- Companies that enter into building or construction contracts with government agencies
- Public or educational employers
- Independent contractors may not have employer insurance and may be required to provide proof of employment
As per NCCI that average rate per $100 of payroll has fallen from his $2.32 in 2003 to $0.86 in 2015.
Declines in claims and injuries show that jobs in Texas is a safe state, and lower premium rates are encouraging employers to purchase workers’ compensation insurance.
Top Insurance Companies in Texas
- Texas Mutual Insurance Co.
- Travelers
- Liberty Mutual
- The Hartford
- Zurich
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Workmans Comp Michigan
As per nationwide, Michigan has the lowest rates in the country, averaging less than $1.50 per $100 salary.
The cost of workers’ compensation insurance depends in part on the rate assigned to your business. Michigan’s Compensation Advisory Board acts as the state’s rating agency and sets advisory rates for each classification code.
Top insurance companies in Michigan
- AF Group
- Travelers
- Liberty Mutual
- The Hartford
- Chubb
Top 5 States with the Highest Workers’ Compensation Costs
As of 2020 data, the following are the five states that have the highest worker’s compensation costs:
| State | Index Rate |
|---|---|
| New Jersey | $2.52 |
| New York | $2.23 |
| Vermont | $2.21 |
| California | $2.16 |
| Hawaii | $2.08 |
States with the Lowest Workers Compensation Insurance Costs
| State | Index Rate |
|---|---|
| North Dakota | $0.67 |
| Arkansas | $0.72 |
| Indiana | $0.77 |
| West Virginia | $0.79 |
| Utah | $0.85 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does employer compensation cost?
A worker’s compensation costs averaged $41.86 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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How much is workers comp insurance Oregon?
As per 2021 data, Oregon employers will pay employees an average of $1.00 per $100 in payroll. Employee coverage rates vary by insurance company.
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How much is workers comp in Washington state?
Looking at rates as a percentage of total payroll, Washington’s rates declined from 2012 to 2022. If the proposed tax rate increase were to materialize, the average tax rate would be $1.49 per $100 of wages in 2023, It will be about the same in 2021 and 2022.
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Do I need workers compensation insurance in Georgia?
If your Georgia business has three or more people, you must provide them with insurance benefits. If the company is a legal entity or LLC, number of employees should be considered.
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