Workers Comp Rates in Washington (WA)
The average workers' compensation rate in Washington is $1.40 per $100 of payroll , effective as of 2025-01-01. This is $0.21 (17.6%) above the national average of $1.19 per $100. Washington is a monopolistic state, meaning employers must purchase workers' comp through the state fund. Private insurance is not available. Washington is a monopolistic state where employers must purchase workers' compensation through the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Self-insurance is available for qualified employers. Rates are above the national average.
Workers Comp Requirements in Washington
Workers Comp Rates by City in Washington
The table below shows average workers' compensation rates for 5 cities in Washington, sorted by rate from highest to lowest. Rates range from $1.35/$100 in Olympia to $1.45/$100 in Tacoma. Actual rates depend on your industry class code and claims history.
| City | Rate/$100 | Est. Cost ($250K) | vs. State Avg | vs. National Avg | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tacoma | $1.45 | $3,625 | +$0.05 | +$0.26 | Port city |
| Spokane | $1.42 | $3,550 | +$0.02 | +$0.23 | -- |
| Vancouver | $1.40 | $3,500 | Same | +$0.21 | -- |
| Seattle | $1.38 | $3,450 | -$0.02 | +$0.19 | Largest city, tech hub |
| Olympia | $1.35 | $3,375 | -$0.05 | +$0.16 | State capital |
How Washington Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Washington with five states that have similar workers' compensation rates. This comparison helps illustrate where Washington stands nationally in terms of workers' comp costs and requirements.
| State | Rate/$100 | Type | Min Employees | Waiting Period | Est. Cost ($250K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington (WA) | $1.40 | Monopolistic | 1+ | 3 days | $3,500 |
| Florida (FL) | $1.40 | Competitive | 4+ | 7 days | $3,500 |
| New Jersey (NJ) | $1.38 | Competitive | 1+ | 7 days | $3,450 |
| Rhode Island (RI) | $1.42 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $3,550 |
| District of Columbia (DC) | $1.35 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $3,375 |
| Louisiana (LA) | $1.35 | Competitive | 1+ | 7 days | $3,375 |
Workers Comp Cost Examples for Washington
The following table shows estimated annual workers' compensation costs for various payroll sizes in Washington using the state average rate of $1.40 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 | $700 | $58 |
| $100,000 | $1,400 | $117 |
| $250,000 | $3,500 | $292 |
| $500,000 | $7,000 | $583 |
| $1,000,000 | $14,000 | $1,167 |
| $2,500,000 | $35,000 | $2,917 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers Comp in Washington
How much does workers comp cost in Washington?
The average workers' compensation rate in Washington is $1.40 per $100 of payroll. For an employer with $250,000 in annual payroll, that works out to approximately $3,500 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 Washington?
Yes. Washington requires workers' compensation for employers with 1 or more employees. The following are exempt: Sole proprietors, partners, certain corporate officers (may opt in). Penalties for noncompliance include: Gross misdemeanor, double premiums owed, personal liability, $100/day fine.
Why can't I buy private workers comp in Washington?
Washington is a monopolistic state, which means employers must purchase workers' compensation through the state fund. Private insurance companies are not permitted to sell workers' comp policies in Washington. Large employers may be able to self-insure if they meet certain financial requirements set by the state.
What is the waiting period for workers comp in Washington?
The waiting period in Washington 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 Washington is $1,568.
Estimate Your Workers Comp Cost
Use our workers comp cost calculator to estimate your premium based on your specific payroll in Washington, 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.