Workers Comp Rates in District of Columbia (DC)
The average workers' compensation rate in District of Columbia is $1.35 per $100 of payroll , effective as of 2025-01-01. This is $0.16 (13.4%) above the national average of $1.19 per $100. District of Columbia has a competitive insurance market where employers can purchase workers' comp from private insurers. The District of Columbia requires all employers to carry workers' compensation. DC has some of the highest maximum weekly benefits in the nation due to the high cost of living.
Workers Comp Requirements in District of Columbia
Workers Comp Rates by City in District of Columbia
The table below shows average workers' compensation rates for 1 cities in District of Columbia, sorted by rate from highest to lowest. Actual rates depend on your industry class code and claims history.
| City | Rate/$100 | Est. Cost ($250K) | vs. State Avg | vs. National Avg | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $1.35 | $3,375 | Same | +$0.16 | Entire district |
How District of Columbia Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of District of Columbia with five states that have similar workers' compensation rates. This comparison helps illustrate where District of Columbia stands nationally in terms of workers' comp costs and requirements.
| State | Rate/$100 | Type | Min Employees | Waiting Period | Est. Cost ($250K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia (DC) | $1.35 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $3,375 |
| Louisiana (LA) | $1.35 | Competitive | 1+ | 7 days | $3,375 |
| New Jersey (NJ) | $1.38 | Competitive | 1+ | 7 days | $3,450 |
| Vermont (VT) | $1.32 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $3,300 |
| Florida (FL) | $1.40 | Competitive | 4+ | 7 days | $3,500 |
| Washington (WA) | $1.40 | Monopolistic | 1+ | 3 days | $3,500 |
Workers Comp Cost Examples for District of Columbia
The following table shows estimated annual workers' compensation costs for various payroll sizes in District of Columbia using the state average rate of $1.35 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 | $675 | $56 |
| $100,000 | $1,350 | $113 |
| $250,000 | $3,375 | $281 |
| $500,000 | $6,750 | $563 |
| $1,000,000 | $13,500 | $1,125 |
| $2,500,000 | $33,750 | $2,813 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers Comp in District of Columbia
How much does workers comp cost in District of Columbia?
The average workers' compensation rate in District of Columbia is $1.35 per $100 of payroll. For an employer with $250,000 in annual payroll, that works out to approximately $3,375 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 District of Columbia?
Yes. District of Columbia requires workers' compensation for employers with 1 or more employees. The following are exempt: Federal employees (covered under FECA), casual employees. Penalties for noncompliance include: Up to $10,000 fine, imprisonment up to 1 year, or both.
Where can I buy workers comp in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia?
The waiting period in District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia is $1,773.
Estimate Your Workers Comp Cost
Use our workers comp cost calculator to estimate your premium based on your specific payroll in District of Columbia, 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.