Workers Comp for Restaurant Companies
Restaurant businesses pay an average of $3,000–$12,000 per year in workers comp premiums. The most common classification mistake is coding all employees under the restaurant governing class when managers and office staff qualify for lower rates. Here's how to make sure you're paying the right amount.
Real savings example
A restaurant with 20 employees where 4 are managers/office staff could save $1,500–$3,000/year with proper split classification.
Common NCCI Codes for Restaurant
| Code | Description | Rate/$100 |
|---|---|---|
| 9079 | Restaurant or Tavern | $2.08 |
| 9083 | Restaurant Fast Food | $1.52 |
| 8810 | Clerical Office | $0.16 |
| 8742 | Sales Outside | $0.42 |
Rates are approximate national averages per $100 of payroll. Actual rates vary by state and insurer.
Tips to Lower Your Restaurant Workers Comp Premium
Managers who don't do kitchen work may qualify for code 8810 (clerical)
Fast food (9083) has a lower rate than full-service restaurant (9079) — make sure you're in the right bucket
Delivery drivers should be classified separately from kitchen staff
Seasonal fluctuations in staff? Make sure your payroll audit reflects actual hours, not estimates
Check if your restaurant business is misclassified
Our free 2-minute tool compares your setup against NCCI benchmarks.
Check My Premium \u2192This guide is for informational purposes only and is not insurance advice.