Workers' Compensation Premium Calculator
Estimate workers' compensation insurance premiums per employee and total annual cost based on your industry code and payroll.
Frequently asked questions
How is workers' comp calculated?
Premiums are based on your industry class code (each has a rate per $100 of payroll), your claims history (Experience Modification Rate or EMR — 1.0 is average, below 1.0 is good, above is bad), and your state. Your payroll provider usually handles reporting and payment monthly.
What's an Experience Modification Rate (EMR)?
Your EMR is a multiplier based on your company's claims history compared to industry average over the past 3 years. It starts at 1.0 for new companies. If you have fewer claims than average, EMR drops below 1.0 (saving you money). More claims pushes it above 1.0 (costing more). A good safety program keeps EMR low.
Can I skip workers' comp?
No — it's required by law for employers with employees in every state except Texas. Even in Texas, certain industries (construction, maritime) require it. The penalties for not having workers' comp are severe: fines, back payments, stop-work orders, and personal liability for you and your corporate officers.