Workers Comp for Retail Companies
Retail businesses pay an average of $2,000–$8,000 per year in workers comp premiums. The most common classification mistake is not splitting warehouse/stock workers from sales floor and office employees. Here's how to make sure you're paying the right amount.
Real savings example
A retail business with 10 employees where 3 are office/clerical could save $800–$2,000/year by ensuring proper code splits.
Common NCCI Codes for Retail
| Code | Description | Rate/$100 |
|---|---|---|
| 8017 | Retail Store | $1.28 |
| 8006 | Grocery Store | $2.15 |
| 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 Retail Workers Comp Premium
Stock room and warehouse workers have different risk profiles than cashiers
Outside sales reps should be coded under 8742, not the store's governing class
If you have a separate office location, those employees should definitely be coded as clerical
E-commerce businesses with no physical retail presence may qualify for much lower office-only rates
Check if your retail 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.