Workers Comp Rates in Minnesota (MN)
The average workers' compensation rate in Minnesota is $1.15 per $100 of payroll , effective as of 2025-01-01. This is $0.04 (3.4%) below the national average of $1.19 per $100. Minnesota has a competitive insurance market where employers can purchase workers' comp from private insurers. Minnesota requires workers' compensation for all employers. The state has a competitive market with rates close to the national average and strong employee protections.
Workers Comp Requirements in Minnesota
Workers Comp Rates by City in Minnesota
The table below shows average workers' compensation rates for 5 cities in Minnesota, sorted by rate from highest to lowest. Rates range from $1.08/$100 in Bloomington to $1.22/$100 in Duluth. Actual rates depend on your industry class code and claims history.
| City | Rate/$100 | Est. Cost ($250K) | vs. State Avg | vs. National Avg | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duluth | $1.22 | $3,050 | +$0.07 | +$0.03 | Port/mining |
| St. Paul | $1.14 | $2,850 | -$0.01 | -$0.05 | State capital |
| Minneapolis | $1.12 | $2,800 | -$0.03 | -$0.07 | Largest city |
| Rochester | $1.10 | $2,750 | -$0.05 | -$0.09 | Mayo Clinic |
| Bloomington | $1.08 | $2,700 | -$0.07 | -$0.11 | -- |
How Minnesota Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Minnesota with five states that have similar workers' compensation rates. This comparison helps illustrate where Minnesota stands nationally in terms of workers' comp costs and requirements.
| State | Rate/$100 | Type | Min Employees | Waiting Period | Est. Cost ($250K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota (MN) | $1.15 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $2,875 |
| Alabama (AL) | $1.15 | Competitive | 5+ | 3 days | $2,875 |
| New Hampshire (NH) | $1.15 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $2,875 |
| Wisconsin (WI) | $1.15 | Competitive | 3+ | 3 days | $2,875 |
| Michigan (MI) | $1.12 | Competitive | 1+ | 7 days | $2,800 |
| Oregon (OR) | $1.12 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $2,800 |
Workers Comp Cost Examples for Minnesota
The following table shows estimated annual workers' compensation costs for various payroll sizes in Minnesota using the state average rate of $1.15 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 | $575 | $48 |
| $100,000 | $1,150 | $96 |
| $250,000 | $2,875 | $240 |
| $500,000 | $5,750 | $479 |
| $1,000,000 | $11,500 | $958 |
| $2,500,000 | $28,750 | $2,396 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers Comp in Minnesota
How much does workers comp cost in Minnesota?
The average workers' compensation rate in Minnesota is $1.15 per $100 of payroll. For an employer with $250,000 in annual payroll, that works out to approximately $2,875 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 Minnesota?
Yes. Minnesota requires workers' compensation for employers with 1 or more employees. The following are exempt: Sole proprietors, partners, certain family farm employees, certain executive officers. Penalties for noncompliance include: Gross misdemeanor, up to $1,000/day fine, cease and desist order.
Where can I buy workers comp in Minnesota?
Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
The waiting period in Minnesota 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 Minnesota is $1,260.
Estimate Your Workers Comp Cost
Use our workers comp cost calculator to estimate your premium based on your specific payroll in Minnesota, 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.