Workers Comp Rates in North Dakota (ND)
The average workers' compensation rate in North Dakota is $1.05 per $100 of payroll , effective as of 2025-01-01. This is $0.14 (11.8%) below the national average of $1.19 per $100. North Dakota is a monopolistic state, meaning employers must purchase workers' comp through the state fund. Private insurance is not available. North Dakota is a monopolistic state where employers must purchase workers' compensation through Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI), the state fund. Private insurance is not available.
Workers Comp Requirements in North Dakota
Workers Comp Rates by City in North Dakota
The table below shows average workers' compensation rates for 4 cities in North Dakota, sorted by rate from highest to lowest. Rates range from $1.00/$100 in Bismarck to $1.10/$100 in Minot. Actual rates depend on your industry class code and claims history.
| City | Rate/$100 | Est. Cost ($250K) | vs. State Avg | vs. National Avg | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minot | $1.10 | $2,750 | +$0.05 | -$0.09 | Oil region |
| Grand Forks | $1.05 | $2,625 | Same | -$0.14 | -- |
| Fargo | $1.02 | $2,550 | -$0.03 | -$0.17 | Largest city |
| Bismarck | $1.00 | $2,500 | -$0.05 | -$0.19 | State capital |
How North Dakota Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of North Dakota with five states that have similar workers' compensation rates. This comparison helps illustrate where North Dakota stands nationally in terms of workers' comp costs and requirements.
| State | Rate/$100 | Type | Min Employees | Waiting Period | Est. Cost ($250K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota (ND) | $1.05 | Monopolistic | 1+ | 5 days | $2,625 |
| Arizona (AZ) | $1.05 | Competitive | 1+ | 7 days | $2,625 |
| Iowa (IA) | $1.05 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $2,625 |
| Kansas (KS) | $1.08 | Competitive | 1+ | 7 days | $2,700 |
| Nebraska (NE) | $1.08 | Competitive | 1+ | 7 days | $2,700 |
| Nevada (NV) | $1.02 | Competitive | 1+ | 5 days | $2,550 |
Workers Comp Cost Examples for North Dakota
The following table shows estimated annual workers' compensation costs for various payroll sizes in North Dakota using the state average rate of $1.05 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 | $525 | $44 |
| $100,000 | $1,050 | $88 |
| $250,000 | $2,625 | $219 |
| $500,000 | $5,250 | $438 |
| $1,000,000 | $10,500 | $875 |
| $2,500,000 | $26,250 | $2,188 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers Comp in North Dakota
How much does workers comp cost in North Dakota?
The average workers' compensation rate in North Dakota is $1.05 per $100 of payroll. For an employer with $250,000 in annual payroll, that works out to approximately $2,625 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 North Dakota?
Yes. North Dakota 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: Class B misdemeanor, up to $2,000 fine, personal liability for claims.
Why can't I buy private workers comp in North Dakota?
North Dakota is a monopolistic state, which means employers must purchase workers' compensation through the state fund. Private insurance companies are not permitted to sell workers' comp policies in North Dakota. Large employers may be able to self-insure if they meet certain financial requirements set by the state.
What is the waiting period for workers comp in North Dakota?
The waiting period in North Dakota is 5 days. This means an injured worker must wait 5 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 North Dakota is $1,048.
Estimate Your Workers Comp Cost
Use our workers comp cost calculator to estimate your premium based on your specific payroll in North Dakota, 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.