Workers Comp Rates in Ohio (OH)
The average workers' compensation rate in Ohio is $1.10 per $100 of payroll , effective as of 2025-01-01. This is $0.09 (7.6%) below the national average of $1.19 per $100. Ohio is a monopolistic state, meaning employers must purchase workers' comp through the state fund. Private insurance is not available. Ohio is a monopolistic state where employers must purchase workers' compensation through the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC). Private insurance is not available. The state fund is the largest in the US.
Workers Comp Requirements in Ohio
Workers Comp Rates by City in Ohio
The table below shows average workers' compensation rates for 6 cities in Ohio, sorted by rate from highest to lowest. Rates range from $1.08/$100 in Dayton to $1.15/$100 in Cleveland. Actual rates depend on your industry class code and claims history.
| City | Rate/$100 | Est. Cost ($250K) | vs. State Avg | vs. National Avg | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland | $1.15 | $2,875 | +$0.05 | -$0.04 | Manufacturing |
| Akron | $1.14 | $2,850 | +$0.04 | -$0.05 | -- |
| Toledo | $1.12 | $2,800 | +$0.02 | -$0.07 | -- |
| Cincinnati | $1.10 | $2,750 | Same | -$0.09 | -- |
| Columbus | $1.08 | $2,700 | -$0.02 | -$0.11 | State capital |
| Dayton | $1.08 | $2,700 | -$0.02 | -$0.11 | -- |
How Ohio Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Ohio with five states that have similar workers' compensation rates. This comparison helps illustrate where Ohio stands nationally in terms of workers' comp costs and requirements.
| State | Rate/$100 | Type | Min Employees | Waiting Period | Est. Cost ($250K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio (OH) | $1.10 | Monopolistic | 1+ | 7 days | $2,750 |
| Georgia (GA) | $1.10 | Competitive | 3+ | 7 days | $2,750 |
| Maryland (MD) | $1.10 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $2,750 |
| Mississippi (MS) | $1.10 | Competitive | 5+ | 5 days | $2,750 |
| Missouri (MO) | $1.10 | Competitive | 5+ | 3 days | $2,750 |
| Kansas (KS) | $1.08 | Competitive | 1+ | 7 days | $2,700 |
Workers Comp Cost Examples for Ohio
The following table shows estimated annual workers' compensation costs for various payroll sizes in Ohio using the state average rate of $1.10 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 | $550 | $46 |
| $100,000 | $1,100 | $92 |
| $250,000 | $2,750 | $229 |
| $500,000 | $5,500 | $458 |
| $1,000,000 | $11,000 | $917 |
| $2,500,000 | $27,500 | $2,292 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers Comp in Ohio
How much does workers comp cost in Ohio?
The average workers' compensation rate in Ohio is $1.10 per $100 of payroll. For an employer with $250,000 in annual payroll, that works out to approximately $2,750 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 Ohio?
Yes. Ohio requires workers' compensation for employers with 1 or more employees. The following are exempt: Sole proprietors, partners, domestic workers, certain agricultural workers. Penalties for noncompliance include: Up to $500 fine per day, felony for repeated noncompliance, personal liability.
Why can't I buy private workers comp in Ohio?
Ohio 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 Ohio. 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 Ohio?
The waiting period in Ohio 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 Ohio is $1,048.
Estimate Your Workers Comp Cost
Use our workers comp cost calculator to estimate your premium based on your specific payroll in Ohio, 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.