Workers Comp Rates in Virginia (VA)
The average workers' compensation rate in Virginia is $0.68 per $100 of payroll , effective as of 2025-01-01. This is $0.51 (42.9%) below the national average of $1.19 per $100. Virginia has a competitive insurance market where employers can purchase workers' comp from private insurers. Virginia is one of the most affordable states for workers' compensation with the lowest average rates in the nation. Employers with 2 or more employees must carry coverage.
Workers Comp Requirements in Virginia
Workers Comp Rates by City in Virginia
The table below shows average workers' compensation rates for 5 cities in Virginia, sorted by rate from highest to lowest. Rates range from $0.62/$100 in Arlington to $0.72/$100 in Norfolk. Actual rates depend on your industry class code and claims history.
| City | Rate/$100 | Est. Cost ($250K) | vs. State Avg | vs. National Avg | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norfolk | $0.72 | $1,800 | +$0.04 | -$0.47 | Naval base |
| Richmond | $0.70 | $1,750 | +$0.02 | -$0.49 | State capital |
| Virginia Beach | $0.65 | $1,625 | -$0.03 | -$0.54 | Largest city |
| Alexandria | $0.64 | $1,600 | -$0.04 | -$0.55 | -- |
| Arlington | $0.62 | $1,550 | -$0.06 | -$0.57 | DC suburb, office-heavy |
How Virginia Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Virginia with five states that have similar workers' compensation rates. This comparison helps illustrate where Virginia stands nationally in terms of workers' comp costs and requirements.
| State | Rate/$100 | Type | Min Employees | Waiting Period | Est. Cost ($250K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia (VA) | $0.68 | Competitive | 2+ | 7 days | $1,700 |
| Arkansas (AR) | $0.75 | Competitive | 3+ | 7 days | $1,875 |
| Indiana (IN) | $0.80 | Competitive | 1+ | 7 days | $2,000 |
| Utah (UT) | $0.85 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $2,125 |
| Texas (TX) | $0.90 | Competitive | 1+ | 7 days | $2,250 |
| Colorado (CO) | $0.92 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $2,300 |
Workers Comp Cost Examples for Virginia
The following table shows estimated annual workers' compensation costs for various payroll sizes in Virginia using the state average rate of $0.68 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 | $340 | $28 |
| $100,000 | $680 | $57 |
| $250,000 | $1,700 | $142 |
| $500,000 | $3,400 | $283 |
| $1,000,000 | $6,800 | $567 |
| $2,500,000 | $17,000 | $1,417 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers Comp in Virginia
How much does workers comp cost in Virginia?
The average workers' compensation rate in Virginia is $0.68 per $100 of payroll. For an employer with $250,000 in annual payroll, that works out to approximately $1,700 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 Virginia?
Yes. Virginia requires workers' compensation for employers with 2 or more employees. The following are exempt: Farm workers, domestic workers, casual employees, certain real estate agents. Penalties for noncompliance include: Class 2 misdemeanor, up to $500 fine per day, personal liability.
Where can I buy workers comp in Virginia?
Virginia 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 Virginia?
The waiting period in Virginia 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 Virginia is $1,273.
Estimate Your Workers Comp Cost
Use our workers comp cost calculator to estimate your premium based on your specific payroll in Virginia, 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.