Workers Comp Rates in Oklahoma (OK)
The average workers' compensation rate in Oklahoma is $1.18 per $100 of payroll , effective as of 2025-01-01. This is $0.01 (0.8%) below the national average of $1.19 per $100. Oklahoma has a competitive insurance market where employers can purchase workers' comp from private insurers. Oklahoma requires workers' compensation for most employers. The state recently enacted opt-out provisions for certain large employers, creating a unique system. Rates are near the national average.
Workers Comp Requirements in Oklahoma
Workers Comp Rates by City in Oklahoma
The table below shows average workers' compensation rates for 4 cities in Oklahoma, sorted by rate from highest to lowest. Rates range from $1.10/$100 in Broken Arrow to $1.20/$100 in Tulsa. Actual rates depend on your industry class code and claims history.
| City | Rate/$100 | Est. Cost ($250K) | vs. State Avg | vs. National Avg | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tulsa | $1.20 | $3,000 | +$0.02 | +$0.01 | Oil/energy |
| Oklahoma City | $1.15 | $2,875 | -$0.03 | -$0.04 | State capital |
| Norman | $1.12 | $2,800 | -$0.06 | -$0.07 | -- |
| Broken Arrow | $1.10 | $2,750 | -$0.08 | -$0.09 | -- |
How Oklahoma Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Oklahoma with five states that have similar workers' compensation rates. This comparison helps illustrate where Oklahoma stands nationally in terms of workers' comp costs and requirements.
| State | Rate/$100 | Type | Min Employees | Waiting Period | Est. Cost ($250K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma (OK) | $1.18 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $2,950 |
| Maine (ME) | $1.18 | Competitive | 1+ | 7 days | $2,950 |
| Montana (MT) | $1.18 | Competitive | 1+ | 5 days | $2,950 |
| South Carolina (SC) | $1.20 | Competitive | 4+ | 7 days | $3,000 |
| Wyoming (WY) | $1.20 | Monopolistic | 1+ | 3 days | $3,000 |
| Alabama (AL) | $1.15 | Competitive | 5+ | 3 days | $2,875 |
Workers Comp Cost Examples for Oklahoma
The following table shows estimated annual workers' compensation costs for various payroll sizes in Oklahoma using the state average rate of $1.18 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 | $590 | $49 |
| $100,000 | $1,180 | $98 |
| $250,000 | $2,950 | $246 |
| $500,000 | $5,900 | $492 |
| $1,000,000 | $11,800 | $983 |
| $2,500,000 | $29,500 | $2,458 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers Comp in Oklahoma
How much does workers comp cost in Oklahoma?
The average workers' compensation rate in Oklahoma is $1.18 per $100 of payroll. For an employer with $250,000 in annual payroll, that works out to approximately $2,950 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 Oklahoma?
Yes. Oklahoma requires workers' compensation for employers with 1 or more employees. The following are exempt: Agricultural workers, domestic workers, certain real estate agents. Penalties for noncompliance include: Misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine per day, personal liability, stop-work order.
Where can I buy workers comp in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma?
The waiting period in Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma is $934.
Estimate Your Workers Comp Cost
Use our workers comp cost calculator to estimate your premium based on your specific payroll in Oklahoma, 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.