Workers' Comp Estimator
Select your trade, enter your payroll details, and see an estimated workers' comp premium — including annual cost, monthly cost, and cost per employee per hour.
How This Calculator Works
Select your trade from 15 classifications, then enter your number of employees, average hourly rate, hours per week, and Experience Modification Rate (EMR). The calculator estimates your premium instantly.
You'll see your estimated annual and monthly premium, cost per hour per employee, and cost per employee per year — all adjusted for your trade's risk level and your safety record.
Workers' comp is one of your biggest costs, especially in high-risk trades like roofing. This estimator helps you budget accurately and see how improving your EMR can save you thousands.
Estimate Your Premium
1.0 = average. Lower is better.
Your estimate will appear here
Select your trade and enter payroll details to estimate your workers' comp premium.
Workers' Comp Is a Major Cost
For contractors, workers' comp insurance can be one of the largest line items on your P&L. Know the number so you can price it into every job.
Rates by Trade
Workers' comp rates vary widely by trade — roofing can be 10x higher than office work. Select your trade to see rates specific to your industry.
See the Per-Hour Cost
Know exactly how much workers' comp adds to your hourly labor cost. This is critical for accurate job pricing and bid estimates.
Factor in Your EMR
Your Experience Modification Rate (EMR) directly impacts your premium. An EMR below 1.0 means you're safer than average and pay less. Above 1.0 means you pay more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are workers' comp rates determined?
Workers' comp rates are based on your trade classification (class code), your total payroll, your state, and your Experience Modification Rate (EMR). High-risk trades like roofing pay significantly more than low-risk trades like office work. Rates are expressed as a dollar amount per $100 of payroll.
What is an Experience Modification Rate (EMR)?
Your EMR is a number that reflects your company's claims history compared to other businesses in your trade. An EMR of 1.0 is average. Below 1.0 means fewer claims and lower premiums. Above 1.0 means more claims and higher premiums. A good safety record can save you thousands per year.
How much does workers' comp cost for roofing contractors?
Roofing is one of the most expensive trades for workers' comp, with rates typically ranging from $15-$30 per $100 of payroll depending on your state and EMR. For a crew with $300,000 in annual payroll, that could mean $45,000-$90,000 per year in workers' comp premiums alone.
Is workers' comp insurance required for contractors?
In most states, yes -- if you have employees. Requirements vary by state, but nearly all states require workers' comp coverage once you have at least one employee. Texas is the only state where it's technically optional, though going without creates significant liability risk.
How can I lower my workers' comp premiums?
Focus on safety to lower your EMR -- every claim drives it up. Implement formal safety programs, provide proper training and equipment, and report claims promptly. Also verify your payroll classifications are accurate, as being misclassified in a higher-risk code costs you money.
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