Workers Comp Cost in South Carolina
2026 rates — mandatory for most South Carolina employers
Calculate Your South Carolina Workers Comp Cost
Workers Comp Rates by Industry — South Carolina 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 South Carolina rates vary by carrier, your specific class codes, and Experience Mod.
Workers Comp in South Carolina — Key Facts
1. South Carolina Requirement & Market
Mandatory: YES — required for employers in South Carolina (check specific employee count thresholds)
Market: Private market (NCCI rates)
South Carolina uses NCCI (National Council on Compensation Insurance) for class code rate guidance. Workers' comp costs in South Carolina are below 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 South Carolina
South Carolina 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 South Carolina
Rates vary 20–40% between carriers for identical coverage. Compare before your next renewal.
South Carolina Workers Comp Summary
- →Avg rate: $1.38 per $100 payroll
- →$500K payroll: ~$6,900/yr avg risk
- →Cost vs national: below average
- →Mandatory: Yes