Workers Comp Rates in Wyoming (WY)
The average workers' compensation rate in Wyoming 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. Wyoming is a monopolistic state, meaning employers must purchase workers' comp through the state fund. Private insurance is not available. Wyoming is a monopolistic state where employers must purchase workers' compensation through the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services. Private insurance is not available. Rates reflect the state's mining and energy-heavy economy.
Workers Comp Requirements in Wyoming
Workers Comp Rates by City in Wyoming
The table below shows average workers' compensation rates for 4 cities in Wyoming, sorted by rate from highest to lowest. Rates range from $1.15/$100 in Cheyenne to $1.30/$100 in Gillette. Actual rates depend on your industry class code and claims history.
| City | Rate/$100 | Est. Cost ($250K) | vs. State Avg | vs. National Avg | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gillette | $1.30 | $3,250 | +$0.10 | +$0.11 | Coal mining |
| Casper | $1.25 | $3,125 | +$0.05 | +$0.06 | Oil/gas |
| Laramie | $1.18 | $2,950 | -$0.02 | -$0.01 | University city |
| Cheyenne | $1.15 | $2,875 | -$0.05 | -$0.04 | State capital |
How Wyoming Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Wyoming with five states that have similar workers' compensation rates. This comparison helps illustrate where Wyoming stands nationally in terms of workers' comp costs and requirements.
| State | Rate/$100 | Type | Min Employees | Waiting Period | Est. Cost ($250K) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming (WY) | $1.20 | Monopolistic | 1+ | 3 days | $3,000 |
| South Carolina (SC) | $1.20 | Competitive | 4+ | 7 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 Wyoming
The following table shows estimated annual workers' compensation costs for various payroll sizes in Wyoming 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 Wyoming
How much does workers comp cost in Wyoming?
The average workers' compensation rate in Wyoming 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 Wyoming?
Yes. Wyoming requires workers' compensation for employers with 1 or more employees. The following are exempt: Sole proprietors, partners, domestic workers, certain agricultural workers. Penalties for noncompliance include: Misdemeanor, $1,000 fine per day, personal liability, stop-work order.
Why can't I buy private workers comp in Wyoming?
Wyoming 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 Wyoming. 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 Wyoming?
The waiting period in Wyoming 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 Wyoming is $949.
Estimate Your Workers Comp Cost
Use our workers comp cost calculator to estimate your premium based on your specific payroll in Wyoming, 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.