Workers Comp Rates in Pennsylvania (PA)
The average workers' compensation rate in Pennsylvania is $1.55 per $100 of payroll , effective as of 2025-01-01. This is $0.36 (30.3%) above the national average of $1.19 per $100. Pennsylvania has a competitive insurance market where employers can purchase workers' comp from private insurers. Pennsylvania requires workers' compensation for virtually all employers. The state has competitive but above-average rates due to generous benefit levels and a mature industrial base.
Workers Comp Requirements in Pennsylvania
Workers Comp Rates by City in Pennsylvania
The table below shows average workers' compensation rates for 5 cities in Pennsylvania, sorted by rate from highest to lowest. Rates range from $1.48/$100 in Harrisburg to $1.62/$100 in Philadelphia. Actual rates depend on your industry class code and claims history.
| City | Rate/$100 | Est. Cost ($250K) | vs. State Avg | vs. National Avg | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $1.62 | $4,050 | +$0.07 | +$0.43 | Largest city |
| Pittsburgh | $1.55 | $3,875 | Same | +$0.36 | -- |
| Allentown | $1.52 | $3,800 | -$0.03 | +$0.33 | -- |
| Erie | $1.50 | $3,750 | -$0.05 | +$0.31 | Manufacturing |
| Harrisburg | $1.48 | $3,700 | -$0.07 | +$0.29 | State capital |
How Pennsylvania Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Pennsylvania with five states that have similar workers' compensation rates. This comparison helps illustrate where Pennsylvania stands nationally in terms of workers' comp costs and requirements.
| State | Rate/$100 | Type | Min Employees | Waiting Period | Est. Cost ($250K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania (PA) | $1.55 | Competitive | 1+ | 7 days | $3,875 |
| Connecticut (CT) | $1.60 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $4,000 |
| California (CA) | $1.45 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $3,625 |
| Rhode Island (RI) | $1.42 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $3,550 |
| Florida (FL) | $1.40 | Competitive | 4+ | 7 days | $3,500 |
| Washington (WA) | $1.40 | Monopolistic | 1+ | 3 days | $3,500 |
Workers Comp Cost Examples for Pennsylvania
The following table shows estimated annual workers' compensation costs for various payroll sizes in Pennsylvania using the state average rate of $1.55 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 | $775 | $65 |
| $100,000 | $1,550 | $129 |
| $250,000 | $3,875 | $323 |
| $500,000 | $7,750 | $646 |
| $1,000,000 | $15,500 | $1,292 |
| $2,500,000 | $38,750 | $3,229 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers Comp in Pennsylvania
How much does workers comp cost in Pennsylvania?
The average workers' compensation rate in Pennsylvania is $1.55 per $100 of payroll. For an employer with $250,000 in annual payroll, that works out to approximately $3,875 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 Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania requires workers' compensation for employers with 1 or more employees. The following are exempt: Agricultural workers (seasonal, fewer than 30 days), domestic workers, federal employees, longshoremen. Penalties for noncompliance include: Third-degree misdemeanor, $2,500 fine per day, stop-work order.
Where can I buy workers comp in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The waiting period in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania is $1,273.
Estimate Your Workers Comp Cost
Use our workers comp cost calculator to estimate your premium based on your specific payroll in Pennsylvania, 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.