Free • No Login Required • WA Data

Washington Workers' Comp Rate Calculator

Calculate your workers' compensation costs in Washington. Compare direct carrier vs PEO rates by industry. All calculations use real NCCI class code data and Washington regulatory filings.

State Avg Rate / $100
$1.55
Regulatory Body
Washington Department of Labor & Industries
Top Carriers
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I)
Market Type
Step 1 — Your Business
About Your Washington Business
Enter your business details to calculate your workers' comp premium. We auto-populate Washington-specific rates based on your industry.
Step 2 — Experience & Claims
Your Claims History
Your Experience Modification Rate (EMR) is the single biggest lever on your premium. Enter your claims history to see how it impacts your costs and future trajectory.
Claims History (Last 3 Years)
Total Incurred ($)
# of Claims
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Step 3 — Compare Options
Compare Your Coverage Options
See how a PEO's pooled workers' comp program could reduce your rates. PEOs leverage group buying power across thousands of employees to negotiate lower rates, especially for high-risk trades.
Your Results
Workers' Comp Premium Analysis
Your estimated annual premium based on Washington rates, your industry classification, and experience modification.
Current Annual Premium
$0
Payroll/100 × Rate × EMR
Based on Washington filed rates for selected class code
3-Year Premium Projection
YearDirect Carrier
EMR Trajectory: Direct vs PEO Path (3-Year Projection)
Direct Path
PEO Path
⚡

Built on Real Pricing Data — Not Guesswork

This tool is powered by actuarial and regulatory datasets, calibrated to 2026 Washington market conditions.

📊

NCCI Class Codes & Base Rates

Official class code classifications and advisory base rates filed with the Washington Department of Labor & Industries for Washington employers.

🏛

State WC Bureau Filings

Washington workers' comp rate filings, loss cost multipliers, and regulatory requirements from the Washington Department of Labor & Industries.

📈

NAPEO PEO Benchmarks

PEO pooled rate benchmarks from the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations, covering 500+ PEOs nationwide.

Get a Free Custom Report

Get a detailed workers' comp report with your specific numbers — prepared by a BENEFITRA advisor who specializes in Washington employers.

Calculation Methodology ▼
How This Calculator Works
  • Annual Premium = (Annual Payroll / 100) × Base WC Rate × Experience Modification Rate (EMR)
  • PEO Premium = (Annual Payroll / 100) × PEO Pooled Rate × PEO Pooled EMR Factor
  • EMR Projection: Based on NCCI split-point formula. Claims history impacts future EMR over a 3-year rolling window.
  • PEO Discount: PEO rates use a discount factor of 0.58 applied to direct market rates, reflecting pooled buying power.
  • 3-Year Trend: Direct carrier premiums trend at +3%/year (10-year average). PEO premiums trend at +2%/year due to scale.
  • Safety Credit: A 5% premium credit is applied when a formal safety program is in place.

Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes. Actual premiums depend on your specific underwriting, claims history, and carrier selection. Data sources: NCCI, Washington Department of Labor & Industries, NAPEO, BLS. Calibrated to 2026 market conditions.

Workers' comp in Washington: how the system works

In Washington, workers' compensation is not sold on the private market. Employers buy coverage directly through the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), the state's monopolistic fund. Washington is one of only four monopolistic states, so the usual private-carrier shopping does not apply and rates are set by the state fund rather than through NCCI.

For roofing and construction employers, the class code drives the rate more than anything else: roofing carries some of the highest workers' comp rates of any trade because of fall exposure. Wherever you operate, the experience modification rate is the biggest lever you control, and a cleaner claims history compounds into lower premiums year over year.

Washington workers' comp at a glance:

Official source: the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).

Model your own numbers with the EMR Scenario Modeler, then see how lower comp cost frees budget for benefits in the Benefits ROI Calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Who sets workers' comp rates in Washington?

Rates are set by the state fund, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), not by private carriers or NCCI. There is no carrier shopping; you work directly with the state fund.

Is workers' comp required in Washington?

Yes. Washington employers obtain required coverage through the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Check the fund for which workers and thresholds apply to your business.

Reviewed by Sam Newland, CFP, Founder of Benefitra. Last updated June 2026.