Workers Comp Rates in Oregon (OR)
The average workers' compensation rate in Oregon is $1.12 per $100 of payroll , effective as of 2025-01-01. This is $0.07 (5.9%) below the national average of $1.19 per $100. Oregon has a competitive insurance market where employers can purchase workers' comp from private insurers. Oregon requires workers' compensation for all employers with employees. The state has significantly reduced rates over the past two decades through reforms. SAIF Corporation serves as the state's not-for-profit workers' comp insurer.
Workers Comp Requirements in Oregon
Workers Comp Rates by City in Oregon
The table below shows average workers' compensation rates for 5 cities in Oregon, sorted by rate from highest to lowest. Rates range from $1.05/$100 in Eugene to $1.18/$100 in Medford. Actual rates depend on your industry class code and claims history.
| City | Rate/$100 | Est. Cost ($250K) | vs. State Avg | vs. National Avg | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medford | $1.18 | $2,950 | +$0.06 | -$0.01 | Agriculture/timber |
| Bend | $1.15 | $2,875 | +$0.03 | -$0.04 | Construction growth |
| Portland | $1.10 | $2,750 | -$0.02 | -$0.09 | Largest city |
| Salem | $1.08 | $2,700 | -$0.04 | -$0.11 | State capital |
| Eugene | $1.05 | $2,625 | -$0.07 | -$0.14 | -- |
How Oregon Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Oregon with five states that have similar workers' compensation rates. This comparison helps illustrate where Oregon stands nationally in terms of workers' comp costs and requirements.
| State | Rate/$100 | Type | Min Employees | Waiting Period | Est. Cost ($250K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon (OR) | $1.12 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $2,800 |
| Michigan (MI) | $1.12 | Competitive | 1+ | 7 days | $2,800 |
| 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 |
Workers Comp Cost Examples for Oregon
The following table shows estimated annual workers' compensation costs for various payroll sizes in Oregon using the state average rate of $1.12 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 | $560 | $47 |
| $100,000 | $1,120 | $93 |
| $250,000 | $2,800 | $233 |
| $500,000 | $5,600 | $467 |
| $1,000,000 | $11,200 | $933 |
| $2,500,000 | $28,000 | $2,333 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers Comp in Oregon
How much does workers comp cost in Oregon?
The average workers' compensation rate in Oregon is $1.12 per $100 of payroll. For an employer with $250,000 in annual payroll, that works out to approximately $2,800 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 Oregon?
Yes. Oregon requires workers' compensation for employers with 1 or more employees. The following are exempt: Sole proprietors, partners, certain corporate officers, domestic workers (fewer than 40 hrs/week). Penalties for noncompliance include: Up to $500 fine per day, stop-work order, personal liability.
Where can I buy workers comp in Oregon?
Oregon 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 Oregon?
The waiting period in Oregon 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 Oregon is $1,362.
Estimate Your Workers Comp Cost
Use our workers comp cost calculator to estimate your premium based on your specific payroll in Oregon, 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.