Workers Comp Rates in New York (NY)
The average workers' compensation rate in New York is $1.25 per $100 of payroll , effective as of 2025-01-01. This is $0.06 (5.0%) above the national average of $1.19 per $100. New York has a competitive insurance market where employers can purchase workers' comp from private insurers. New York has among the strictest workers' compensation enforcement in the nation. All employers must carry coverage and penalties for noncompliance are severe. Rates are above the national average.
Workers Comp Requirements in New York
Workers Comp Rates by City in New York
The table below shows average workers' compensation rates for 6 cities in New York, sorted by rate from highest to lowest. Rates range from $1.18/$100 in Rochester to $1.35/$100 in New York City. Actual rates depend on your industry class code and claims history.
| City | Rate/$100 | Est. Cost ($250K) | vs. State Avg | vs. National Avg | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | $1.35 | $3,375 | +$0.10 | +$0.16 | Highest rates in state |
| Yonkers | $1.30 | $3,250 | +$0.05 | +$0.11 | -- |
| Albany | $1.22 | $3,050 | -$0.03 | +$0.03 | State capital |
| Buffalo | $1.20 | $3,000 | -$0.05 | +$0.01 | -- |
| Syracuse | $1.20 | $3,000 | -$0.05 | +$0.01 | -- |
| Rochester | $1.18 | $2,950 | -$0.07 | -$0.01 | -- |
How New York Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of New York with five states that have similar workers' compensation rates. This comparison helps illustrate where New York stands nationally in terms of workers' comp costs and requirements.
| State | Rate/$100 | Type | Min Employees | Waiting Period | Est. Cost ($250K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York (NY) | $1.25 | Competitive | 1+ | 7 days | $3,125 |
| Massachusetts (MA) | $1.22 | Competitive | 1+ | 5 days | $3,050 |
| West Virginia (WV) | $1.28 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $3,200 |
| Delaware (DE) | $1.30 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $3,250 |
| Illinois (IL) | $1.30 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $3,250 |
| South Carolina (SC) | $1.20 | Competitive | 4+ | 7 days | $3,000 |
Workers Comp Cost Examples for New York
The following table shows estimated annual workers' compensation costs for various payroll sizes in New York using the state average rate of $1.25 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 | $625 | $52 |
| $100,000 | $1,250 | $104 |
| $250,000 | $3,125 | $260 |
| $500,000 | $6,250 | $521 |
| $1,000,000 | $12,500 | $1,042 |
| $2,500,000 | $31,250 | $2,604 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers Comp in New York
How much does workers comp cost in New York?
The average workers' compensation rate in New York is $1.25 per $100 of payroll. For an employer with $250,000 in annual payroll, that works out to approximately $3,125 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 York?
Yes. New York requires workers' compensation for employers with 1 or more employees. The following are exempt: Sole proprietors, partners without employees, ministers, certain volunteers. Penalties for noncompliance include: Felony for knowing failure, $1,000 to $50,000 fine plus $2,000/10 days without coverage, imprisonment up to 4 years.
Where can I buy workers comp in New York?
New York 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 York?
The waiting period in New York 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 New York is $1,145.
Estimate Your Workers Comp Cost
Use our workers comp cost calculator to estimate your premium based on your specific payroll in New York, 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.