Workers Comp Rates in Rhode Island (RI)
The average workers' compensation rate in Rhode Island is $1.42 per $100 of payroll , effective as of 2025-01-01. This is $0.23 (19.3%) above the national average of $1.19 per $100. Rhode Island has a competitive insurance market where employers can purchase workers' comp from private insurers. Rhode Island requires workers' compensation for all employers with employees. The state has above-average rates, partly due to its small market size and generous benefits.
Workers Comp Requirements in Rhode Island
Workers Comp Rates by City in Rhode Island
The table below shows average workers' compensation rates for 3 cities in Rhode Island, sorted by rate from highest to lowest. Rates range from $1.38/$100 in Cranston to $1.45/$100 in Providence. Actual rates depend on your industry class code and claims history.
| City | Rate/$100 | Est. Cost ($250K) | vs. State Avg | vs. National Avg | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence | $1.45 | $3,625 | +$0.03 | +$0.26 | State capital, largest city |
| Warwick | $1.40 | $3,500 | -$0.02 | +$0.21 | -- |
| Cranston | $1.38 | $3,450 | -$0.04 | +$0.19 | -- |
How Rhode Island Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Rhode Island with five states that have similar workers' compensation rates. This comparison helps illustrate where Rhode Island stands nationally in terms of workers' comp costs and requirements.
| State | Rate/$100 | Type | Min Employees | Waiting Period | Est. Cost ($250K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| California (CA) | $1.45 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $3,625 |
| New Jersey (NJ) | $1.38 | Competitive | 1+ | 7 days | $3,450 |
| District of Columbia (DC) | $1.35 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $3,375 |
Workers Comp Cost Examples for Rhode Island
The following table shows estimated annual workers' compensation costs for various payroll sizes in Rhode Island using the state average rate of $1.42 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 | $710 | $59 |
| $100,000 | $1,420 | $118 |
| $250,000 | $3,550 | $296 |
| $500,000 | $7,100 | $592 |
| $1,000,000 | $14,200 | $1,183 |
| $2,500,000 | $35,500 | $2,958 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers Comp in Rhode Island
How much does workers comp cost in Rhode Island?
The average workers' compensation rate in Rhode Island is $1.42 per $100 of payroll. For an employer with $250,000 in annual payroll, that works out to approximately $3,550 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 Rhode Island?
Yes. Rhode Island requires workers' compensation for employers with 1 or more employees. The following are exempt: Sole proprietors, partners, certain corporate officers. Penalties for noncompliance include: Misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine per day, stop-work order.
Where can I buy workers comp in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?
The waiting period in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island is $1,096.
Estimate Your Workers Comp Cost
Use our workers comp cost calculator to estimate your premium based on your specific payroll in Rhode Island, 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.