Workers Comp Rates in Wisconsin (WI)
The average workers' compensation rate in Wisconsin is $1.15 per $100 of payroll , effective as of 2025-01-01. This is $0.04 (3.4%) below the national average of $1.19 per $100. Wisconsin has a competitive insurance market where employers can purchase workers' comp from private insurers. Wisconsin requires workers' compensation for employers with 3 or more employees (including part-time). The state has a competitive market with rates near the national average.
Workers Comp Requirements in Wisconsin
Workers Comp Rates by City in Wisconsin
The table below shows average workers' compensation rates for 4 cities in Wisconsin, sorted by rate from highest to lowest. Rates range from $1.10/$100 in Madison to $1.18/$100 in Milwaukee. Actual rates depend on your industry class code and claims history.
| City | Rate/$100 | Est. Cost ($250K) | vs. State Avg | vs. National Avg | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | $1.18 | $2,950 | +$0.03 | -$0.01 | Largest city |
| Green Bay | $1.15 | $2,875 | Same | -$0.04 | Manufacturing |
| Kenosha | $1.12 | $2,800 | -$0.03 | -$0.07 | -- |
| Madison | $1.10 | $2,750 | -$0.05 | -$0.09 | State capital |
How Wisconsin Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Wisconsin with five states that have similar workers' compensation rates. This comparison helps illustrate where Wisconsin stands nationally in terms of workers' comp costs and requirements.
| State | Rate/$100 | Type | Min Employees | Waiting Period | Est. Cost ($250K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin (WI) | $1.15 | Competitive | 3+ | 3 days | $2,875 |
| Alabama (AL) | $1.15 | Competitive | 5+ | 3 days | $2,875 |
| Minnesota (MN) | $1.15 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $2,875 |
| New Hampshire (NH) | $1.15 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $2,875 |
| Michigan (MI) | $1.12 | Competitive | 1+ | 7 days | $2,800 |
| Oregon (OR) | $1.12 | Competitive | 1+ | 3 days | $2,800 |
Workers Comp Cost Examples for Wisconsin
The following table shows estimated annual workers' compensation costs for various payroll sizes in Wisconsin using the state average rate of $1.15 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 | $575 | $48 |
| $100,000 | $1,150 | $96 |
| $250,000 | $2,875 | $240 |
| $500,000 | $5,750 | $479 |
| $1,000,000 | $11,500 | $958 |
| $2,500,000 | $28,750 | $2,396 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers Comp in Wisconsin
How much does workers comp cost in Wisconsin?
The average workers' compensation rate in Wisconsin is $1.15 per $100 of payroll. For an employer with $250,000 in annual payroll, that works out to approximately $2,875 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 Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin requires workers' compensation for employers with 3 or more employees. The following are exempt: Agricultural workers (fewer than 6), domestic workers, certain family members. Penalties for noncompliance include: Up to $100/day fine, double liability for claims, stop-work order.
Where can I buy workers comp in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
The waiting period in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin is $1,186.
Estimate Your Workers Comp Cost
Use our workers comp cost calculator to estimate your premium based on your specific payroll in Wisconsin, 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.