Workers Comp Rates in Washington (WA)

Washington workers comp rates are approximately 15% above the national average. Here's what Washington business owners need to know about classification and premiums.

Washington Workers Comp Overview

Washington is a monopolistic state — coverage is through the Department of Labor & Industries. Employers pay into the state fund. Classification is critical because it directly determines your state fund rate.

How Washington Rates Compare

With a state modifier of 1.15x, a business in Washington paying $10,000 in base premium nationally would pay approximately $11,500 in WA. This makes proper classification even more important in high-rate states like Washington — every misclassified employee costs more.

The most impactful thing a Washington business owner can do is ensure that office, clerical, and administrative employees are coded separately from their operational staff. In WA, the difference between a clerical code (8810 at $0.16/$100) and a construction code (5403 at $9.42/$100) is massive — and that gap is amplified by the state modifier.

This guide is for informational purposes only and is not insurance advice. Washington rates and requirements are subject to change.