Workers Comp Rates in South Carolina (SC)
The average workers' compensation rate in South Carolina is $1.20 per $100 of payroll , effective as of 2025-01-01. This is $0.01 (0.8%) above the national average of $1.19 per $100. South Carolina has a competitive insurance market where employers can purchase workers' comp from private insurers. South Carolina requires workers' compensation for employers with 4 or more employees. The state has a competitive market with rates near the national average.
Workers Comp Requirements in South Carolina
Workers Comp Rates by City in South Carolina
The table below shows average workers' compensation rates for 4 cities in South Carolina, sorted by rate from highest to lowest. Rates range from $1.15/$100 in Greenville to $1.25/$100 in Myrtle Beach. Actual rates depend on your industry class code and claims history.
| City | Rate/$100 | Est. Cost ($250K) | vs. State Avg | vs. National Avg | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myrtle Beach | $1.25 | $3,125 | +$0.05 | +$0.06 | Tourism |
| Charleston | $1.22 | $3,050 | +$0.02 | +$0.03 | Largest metro |
| Columbia | $1.18 | $2,950 | -$0.02 | -$0.01 | State capital |
| Greenville | $1.15 | $2,875 | -$0.05 | -$0.04 | Manufacturing growth |
How South Carolina Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of South Carolina with five states that have similar workers' compensation rates. This comparison helps illustrate where South Carolina stands nationally in terms of workers' comp costs and requirements.
| State | Rate/$100 | Type | Min Employees | Waiting Period | Est. Cost ($250K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina (SC) | $1.20 | Competitive | 4+ | 7 days | $3,000 |
| Wyoming (WY) | $1.20 | Monopolistic | 1+ | 3 days | $3,000 |
| Maine (ME) | $1.18 | Competitive | 1+ | 7 days | $2,950 |
| Massachusetts (MA) | $1.22 | Competitive | 1+ | 5 days | $3,050 |
| Montana (MT) | $1.18 | Competitive | 1+ | 5 days | $2,950 |
| Oklahoma (OK) | $1.18 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $2,950 |
Workers Comp Cost Examples for South Carolina
The following table shows estimated annual workers' compensation costs for various payroll sizes in South Carolina using the state average rate of $1.20 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 | $600 | $50 |
| $100,000 | $1,200 | $100 |
| $250,000 | $3,000 | $250 |
| $500,000 | $6,000 | $500 |
| $1,000,000 | $12,000 | $1,000 |
| $2,500,000 | $30,000 | $2,500 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers Comp in South Carolina
How much does workers comp cost in South Carolina?
The average workers' compensation rate in South Carolina is $1.20 per $100 of payroll. For an employer with $250,000 in annual payroll, that works out to approximately $3,000 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 South Carolina?
Yes. South Carolina requires workers' compensation for employers with 4 or more employees. The following are exempt: Agricultural workers, domestic workers, casual employees, railroad employees. Penalties for noncompliance include: Misdemeanor, up to $100/day fine or 30 days imprisonment, personal liability.
Where can I buy workers comp in South Carolina?
South Carolina 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 South Carolina?
The waiting period in South Carolina 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 South Carolina is $933.
Estimate Your Workers Comp Cost
Use our workers comp cost calculator to estimate your premium based on your specific payroll in South Carolina, 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.