Ohio Workers' Comp Rate Calculator

Workers' comp in Ohio: what's different

Who must be covered

Ohio law treats a business as an employer once it has one or more employees working regularly in the same business. Household workers count once they earn $160 or more in cash in a calendar quarter from one household. Casual workers count at the same $160 level from a single employer.

Some owners are outside coverage unless they choose to be covered. These include sole proprietors, partners, an individual incorporated as a corporation with no employees, and officers of a family farm corporation. Executive officers of an ordinary corporation are different. Their pay goes on the payroll report, subject to weekly minimum and maximum amounts set by rule.

Where coverage comes from

Ohio employers cannot buy workers' comp from a private insurer for Ohio claims. State law voids contracts that insure an employer against paying compensation, and no license may be issued for such policies. Employers pay premium into the state insurance fund run by the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC). Large employers with the financial and administrative ability to pay claims directly can apply to BWC to become self-insuring.

Work outside Ohio needs separate coverage. An Ohio employer may get other-states coverage from a private other-states insurer, or through BWC's other-states coverage policy if it qualifies. To qualify for the BWC policy, the employer must be based in Ohio, have an active state fund policy, have no more than 40 days of lapses in the prior 12 months, and have no past-due balance.

Who sets the rates

BWC sets a base rate for each classification code, per $100 of payroll. The BWC administrator recommends the rates, and the BWC Board of Directors gives its advice and consent. New rates apply to private employers each July 1. The current table took effect July 1, 2026, for the payroll period July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.

Ohio uses the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) classification system, adjusted for Ohio's rules. NCCI does not determine Ohio's rates.

Experience rating in Ohio

An employer is experience rated only when its expected losses reach a minimum set by BWC rule. Below that, the employer pays the base rate. The experience period is the oldest four of the latest five completed policy years. That means last year's claims do not affect next year's rate yet.

For private policy years from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2027, BWC limits a year-over-year increase in an eligible employer's experience modification to 25% of the prior year's initial figure. To stay eligible, the employer must be current on payments, avoid more than 40 days of lapses in 12 months, and report actual payroll and pay any balance by the March 1 eligibility date.

BWC also runs voluntary programs that can change cost. Examples are group experience rating, group retrospective rating, a deductible program, and a $15,000 medical-only program. Each has its own eligibility rules.

Construction payroll cap

For construction classification codes, BWC calculates premium on actual pay, but the payroll used cannot exceed an average weekly wage equal to 150% of the statewide average weekly wage. BWC requires construction employers to keep weekly wage records for these employees.

Deadlines and duties

• Payroll true-up: after each policy year ends June 30, private employers report actual payroll and pay any balance by August 31.
• Minimum charge: if no payroll is reported, or premium comes out under $120, the employer pays a $120 minimum annual administrative charge.
• Posting: employers must post the BWC coverage notice where employees work, or online where employees can see it. The notice says coverage depends on continued payment.
• Injury records: employers must keep a record of work injuries that cause seven days or more of total disability, and report to BWC in writing within a week of learning of the injury. Failing to report is a fourth-degree misdemeanor.

If you are not covered

A private employer out of compliance loses the protections of the workers' comp law for that period. An injured employee can sue, and the employer cannot use the fellow servant, assumption of risk, or contributory negligence defenses. The employee may also apply to BWC for compensation, and BWC then seeks repayment from the employer. BWC can assess the unpaid premium for the period the employer should have been covered.

Worked example: an Ohio roofing contractor

Ohio publishes its base rates in Ohio Administrative Code rule 4123-17-06, Appendix A. The rates below are the published rates effective July 1, 2026. The payroll and experience modification are illustrative only.

• The base rate for class code 5551 (roofing) is $5.7709 per $100 of payroll, as published.
• Annual roofing payroll: $400,000 (illustrative).
• Experience modification: 0.85 (illustrative).

Step 1. Payroll in $100 units: $400,000 ÷ 100 = 4,000. Step 2. Base premium: 4,000 × $5.7709 = $23,083.60. Step 3. Apply the mod: $23,083.60 × 0.85 = $19,621.06.

That is the number produced by the calculator's three inputs. The published base rates do not include Disabled Workers' Relief Fund assessments. Each year before the policy starts, BWC sends a notice with an estimated premium that lists your classification codes, base rates, applied experience modification, and estimated premium.

Compare an office-only business in class code 8810 (clerical), published at $0.0466 per $100. With an illustrative $150,000 payroll, the math gives 1,500 × $0.0466 = $69.90. That is under Ohio's $120 minimum, so the business would owe the $120 minimum annual administrative charge.

A note on the comparison tabs: in Ohio there is no private carrier to compare against. A professional employer organization (PEO) registered with BWC reports payroll to BWC every month and pays premium monthly into the same state fund.

Ohio workers' comp FAQs

Can I buy workers' comp from a private insurer in Ohio?

Not for Ohio claims. Coverage comes from the BWC state insurance fund, unless BWC approves self-insurance. Private insurers can provide coverage for work in other states.

When does the Ohio policy year start?

July 1 for private employers. The actual payroll for the year ending June 30 is due, with any remaining balance, by August 31.

Do I need coverage for just one employee?

Yes. Ohio defines an employer as starting with one regular employee.

Why didn't a claim from last year change my rate?

Ohio's experience period skips the most recent completed policy year and uses the oldest four out of the latest five.

Is my coverage proof something I post?

Yes. Display the BWC notice either at your workplace or online in a location where employees can access it.

Official sources

• Ohio Revised Code 4123.01 (definitions)
• Ohio Revised Code 4123.28 (injury records and reports)
• Ohio Revised Code 4123.292 (other-states coverage)
• Ohio Revised Code 4123.34 (rates; construction payroll cap)
• Ohio Revised Code 4123.35 (premium payment; self-insurance)
• Ohio Revised Code 4123.37 (noncomplying employers, assessment)
• Ohio Revised Code 4123.75 (claims against noncomplying employers)
• Ohio Revised Code 4123.77 (common law defenses denied)
• Ohio Revised Code 4123.82 (private insurance contracts void)
• Ohio Revised Code 4123.83 (posting notice)
• Ohio Revised Code 4123.99 (penalties)
• Ohio Administrative Code chapter 4123-17 (rates, experience rating, payroll reporting, programs)
• OAC 4123-17-06, Appendix A, base rates effective July 1, 2026

This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm details with the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation.

Reviewer: Sam Newland, CFP, Founder of Benefitra. Last updated October 17, 2026. How the calculator works. Editorial policy.