Workers Comp Rates in Delaware (DE)
The average workers' compensation rate in Delaware is $1.30 per $100 of payroll , effective as of 2025-01-01. This is $0.11 (9.2%) above the national average of $1.19 per $100. Delaware has a competitive insurance market where employers can purchase workers' comp from private insurers. Delaware requires workers' compensation for nearly all employers. The state has a competitive market with rates slightly above the national average.
Workers Comp Requirements in Delaware
Workers Comp Rates by City in Delaware
The table below shows average workers' compensation rates for 3 cities in Delaware, sorted by rate from highest to lowest. Rates range from $1.25/$100 in Newark to $1.32/$100 in Dover. Actual rates depend on your industry class code and claims history.
| City | Rate/$100 | Est. Cost ($250K) | vs. State Avg | vs. National Avg | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dover | $1.32 | $3,300 | +$0.02 | +$0.13 | State capital |
| Wilmington | $1.28 | $3,200 | -$0.02 | +$0.09 | Largest city |
| Newark | $1.25 | $3,125 | -$0.05 | +$0.06 | -- |
How Delaware Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Delaware with five states that have similar workers' compensation rates. This comparison helps illustrate where Delaware stands nationally in terms of workers' comp costs and requirements.
| State | Rate/$100 | Type | Min Employees | Waiting Period | Est. Cost ($250K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware (DE) | $1.30 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $3,250 |
| Illinois (IL) | $1.30 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $3,250 |
| Vermont (VT) | $1.32 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $3,300 |
| West Virginia (WV) | $1.28 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $3,200 |
| District of Columbia (DC) | $1.35 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $3,375 |
| Louisiana (LA) | $1.35 | Competitive | 1+ | 7 days | $3,375 |
Workers Comp Cost Examples for Delaware
The following table shows estimated annual workers' compensation costs for various payroll sizes in Delaware using the state average rate of $1.30 per $100 of payroll. Actual costs depend on your industry class code and experience modifier.
| Annual Payroll | Est. Annual Premium | Est. Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $650 | $54 |
| $100,000 | $1,300 | $108 |
| $250,000 | $3,250 | $271 |
| $500,000 | $6,500 | $542 |
| $1,000,000 | $13,000 | $1,083 |
| $2,500,000 | $32,500 | $2,708 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers Comp in Delaware
How much does workers comp cost in Delaware?
The average workers' compensation rate in Delaware is $1.30 per $100 of payroll. For an employer with $250,000 in annual payroll, that works out to approximately $3,250 per year. However, actual rates vary significantly by industry. Office workers may pay as little as $0.20/$100 while high-risk industries like construction or logging can exceed $10/$100.
Is workers comp required in Delaware?
Yes. Delaware requires workers' compensation for employers with 1 or more employees. The following are exempt: Agricultural workers (fewer than 3 employees), casual employees. Penalties for noncompliance include: Misdemeanor, up to $5,000 fine per day, personal liability.
Where can I buy workers comp in Delaware?
Delaware has a competitive workers' compensation market. You can purchase coverage from any licensed private insurance company, through an insurance agent or broker, or in some cases through a state-sponsored program. Shopping multiple carriers is recommended to find the best rate for your industry and claims history.
What is the waiting period for workers comp in Delaware?
The waiting period in Delaware is 3 days. This means an injured worker must wait 3 days before receiving wage replacement benefits. Medical benefits typically begin immediately. If the disability extends beyond a certain number of days (usually 14-21 depending on the state), the waiting period benefits are paid retroactively. The maximum weekly benefit in Delaware is $913.
Estimate Your Workers Comp Cost
Use our workers comp cost calculator to estimate your premium based on your specific payroll in Delaware, or browse all 50 states to compare workers' comp rates across the country. Remember that actual rates depend on your industry classification, claims history, and experience modification rate.