Workers Comp Rates in Vermont (VT)
The average workers' compensation rate in Vermont is $1.32 per $100 of payroll , effective as of 2025-01-01. This is $0.13 (10.9%) above the national average of $1.19 per $100. Vermont has a competitive insurance market where employers can purchase workers' comp from private insurers. Vermont requires workers' compensation for all employers. The state has above-average rates partly due to its small market and seasonal industries like skiing and agriculture.
Workers Comp Requirements in Vermont
Workers Comp Rates by City in Vermont
The table below shows average workers' compensation rates for 3 cities in Vermont, sorted by rate from highest to lowest. Rates range from $1.28/$100 in Burlington to $1.35/$100 in Rutland. Actual rates depend on your industry class code and claims history.
| City | Rate/$100 | Est. Cost ($250K) | vs. State Avg | vs. National Avg | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rutland | $1.35 | $3,375 | +$0.03 | +$0.16 | Ski industry |
| Montpelier | $1.30 | $3,250 | -$0.02 | +$0.11 | State capital |
| Burlington | $1.28 | $3,200 | -$0.04 | +$0.09 | Largest city |
How Vermont Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Vermont with five states that have similar workers' compensation rates. This comparison helps illustrate where Vermont stands nationally in terms of workers' comp costs and requirements.
| State | Rate/$100 | Type | Min Employees | Waiting Period | Est. Cost ($250K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont (VT) | $1.32 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $3,300 |
| Delaware (DE) | $1.30 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $3,250 |
| Illinois (IL) | $1.30 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $3,250 |
| District of Columbia (DC) | $1.35 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $3,375 |
| Louisiana (LA) | $1.35 | Competitive | 1+ | 7 days | $3,375 |
| West Virginia (WV) | $1.28 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $3,200 |
Workers Comp Cost Examples for Vermont
The following table shows estimated annual workers' compensation costs for various payroll sizes in Vermont using the state average rate of $1.32 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 | $660 | $55 |
| $100,000 | $1,320 | $110 |
| $250,000 | $3,300 | $275 |
| $500,000 | $6,600 | $550 |
| $1,000,000 | $13,200 | $1,100 |
| $2,500,000 | $33,000 | $2,750 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers Comp in Vermont
How much does workers comp cost in Vermont?
The average workers' compensation rate in Vermont is $1.32 per $100 of payroll. For an employer with $250,000 in annual payroll, that works out to approximately $3,300 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 Vermont?
Yes. Vermont requires workers' compensation for employers with 1 or more employees. The following are exempt: Sole proprietors, partners, certain corporate officers, domestic workers (fewer than 20 hrs/week). Penalties for noncompliance include: Up to $500 fine per day, personal liability, injunction.
Where can I buy workers comp in Vermont?
Vermont 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 Vermont?
The waiting period in Vermont 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 Vermont is $1,207.
Estimate Your Workers Comp Cost
Use our workers comp cost calculator to estimate your premium based on your specific payroll in Vermont, 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.