Workers Comp Rates in Maine (ME)
The average workers' compensation rate in Maine is $1.18 per $100 of payroll , effective as of 2025-01-01. This is $0.01 (0.8%) below the national average of $1.19 per $100. Maine has a competitive insurance market where employers can purchase workers' comp from private insurers. Maine requires workers' compensation for all employers. The state has a competitive market with rates near the national average.
Workers Comp Requirements in Maine
Workers Comp Rates by City in Maine
The table below shows average workers' compensation rates for 4 cities in Maine, sorted by rate from highest to lowest. Rates range from $1.15/$100 in Portland to $1.22/$100 in Bangor. Actual rates depend on your industry class code and claims history.
| City | Rate/$100 | Est. Cost ($250K) | vs. State Avg | vs. National Avg | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangor | $1.22 | $3,050 | +$0.04 | +$0.03 | -- |
| Lewiston | $1.20 | $3,000 | +$0.02 | +$0.01 | -- |
| Augusta | $1.16 | $2,900 | -$0.02 | -$0.03 | State capital |
| Portland | $1.15 | $2,875 | -$0.03 | -$0.04 | Largest city |
How Maine Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Maine with five states that have similar workers' compensation rates. This comparison helps illustrate where Maine stands nationally in terms of workers' comp costs and requirements.
| State | Rate/$100 | Type | Min Employees | Waiting Period | Est. Cost ($250K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maine (ME) | $1.18 | Competitive | 1+ | 7 days | $2,950 |
| Montana (MT) | $1.18 | Competitive | 1+ | 5 days | $2,950 |
| Oklahoma (OK) | $1.18 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $2,950 |
| South Carolina (SC) | $1.20 | Competitive | 4+ | 7 days | $3,000 |
| Wyoming (WY) | $1.20 | Monopolistic | 1+ | 3 days | $3,000 |
| Alabama (AL) | $1.15 | Competitive | 5+ | 3 days | $2,875 |
Workers Comp Cost Examples for Maine
The following table shows estimated annual workers' compensation costs for various payroll sizes in Maine using the state average rate of $1.18 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 | $590 | $49 |
| $100,000 | $1,180 | $98 |
| $250,000 | $2,950 | $246 |
| $500,000 | $5,900 | $492 |
| $1,000,000 | $11,800 | $983 |
| $2,500,000 | $29,500 | $2,458 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers Comp in Maine
How much does workers comp cost in Maine?
The average workers' compensation rate in Maine is $1.18 per $100 of payroll. For an employer with $250,000 in annual payroll, that works out to approximately $2,950 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 Maine?
Yes. Maine requires workers' compensation for employers with 1 or more employees. The following are exempt: Agricultural workers (fewer than 3), domestic workers, casual employees. Penalties for noncompliance include: Class D crime, up to $10,000 fine, personal liability.
Where can I buy workers comp in Maine?
Maine 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 Maine?
The waiting period in Maine is 7 days. This means an injured worker must wait 7 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 Maine is $1,048.
Estimate Your Workers Comp Cost
Use our workers comp cost calculator to estimate your premium based on your specific payroll in Maine, 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.