Workers Comp Cost in Massachusetts
2026 rates — mandatory for most Massachusetts employers
Calculate Your Massachusetts Workers Comp Cost
Workers Comp Rates by Industry — Massachusetts 2026
| Industry Class | Risk Level | Rate / $100 payroll |
|---|---|---|
| Clerical / Office (8810) | Very Low | $0.20 – $0.45 |
| Retail / Wholesale (8017–8018) | Low | $0.80 – $2.00 |
| Restaurant / Food Service (9082) | Moderate | $1.50 – $3.50 |
| Light Manufacturing (3632) | Moderate | $2.00 – $5.00 |
| Trucking / Delivery (7219–7231) | High | $4.00 – $8.00 |
| Construction / Carpentry (5645) | High | $5.00 – $12.00 |
| Roofing (5551) | Very High | $8.00 – $18.00 |
Rates are advisory/illustrative. Actual Massachusetts rates vary by carrier, your specific class codes, and Experience Mod.
Workers Comp in Massachusetts — Key Facts
1. Massachusetts Requirement & Market
Mandatory: YES — required for employers in Massachusetts (check specific employee count thresholds)
Market: State fund available + private market
Massachusetts uses a state-administered rating system for class code rate guidance. Workers' comp costs in Massachusetts are above the national average. Compare multiple carriers for the best rates — differences of 20–40% for the same class code are common.
2. Top Cost Tips for Massachusetts
Massachusetts employers: (1) verify your class codes are correctly assigned — misclassification is common and can significantly inflate premiums; (2) implement a documented safety program — this qualifies for premium credits with many carriers; (3) pay-as-you-go workers' comp eliminates large audit surprises.
Compare Workers Comp Quotes in Massachusetts
Rates vary 20–40% between carriers for identical coverage. Compare before your next renewal.
Massachusetts Workers Comp Summary
- →Avg rate: $2.03 per $100 payroll
- →$500K payroll: ~$10,125/yr avg risk
- →Cost vs national: above average
- →Mandatory: Yes