Workers Comp Rates in New Hampshire (NH)
The average workers' compensation rate in New Hampshire 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. New Hampshire has a competitive insurance market where employers can purchase workers' comp from private insurers. New Hampshire requires workers' compensation for all employers. The state has a competitive market with rates near the national average and high maximum weekly benefits.
Workers Comp Requirements in New Hampshire
Workers Comp Rates by City in New Hampshire
The table below shows average workers' compensation rates for 3 cities in New Hampshire, sorted by rate from highest to lowest. Rates range from $1.10/$100 in Concord to $1.14/$100 in Manchester. Actual rates depend on your industry class code and claims history.
| City | Rate/$100 | Est. Cost ($250K) | vs. State Avg | vs. National Avg | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester | $1.14 | $2,850 | -$0.01 | -$0.05 | Largest city |
| Nashua | $1.12 | $2,800 | -$0.03 | -$0.07 | -- |
| Concord | $1.10 | $2,750 | -$0.05 | -$0.09 | State capital |
How New Hampshire Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of New Hampshire with five states that have similar workers' compensation rates. This comparison helps illustrate where New Hampshire stands nationally in terms of workers' comp costs and requirements.
| State | Rate/$100 | Type | Min Employees | Waiting Period | Est. Cost ($250K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire (NH) | $1.15 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $2,875 |
| Alabama (AL) | $1.15 | Competitive | 5+ | 3 days | $2,875 |
| Minnesota (MN) | $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 New Hampshire
The following table shows estimated annual workers' compensation costs for various payroll sizes in New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire
How much does workers comp cost in New Hampshire?
The average workers' compensation rate in New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire?
Yes. New Hampshire requires workers' compensation for employers with 1 or more employees. The following are exempt: Sole proprietors, partners, certain corporate officers, domestic workers. Penalties for noncompliance include: Misdemeanor, $100/day fine, personal liability for claims.
Where can I buy workers comp in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire?
The waiting period in New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire is $1,753.
Estimate Your Workers Comp Cost
Use our workers comp cost calculator to estimate your premium based on your specific payroll in New Hampshire, 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.