Workers Comp Cost in Tennessee
2026 rates — mandatory for most Tennessee employers
Calculate Your Tennessee Workers Comp Cost
Workers Comp Rates by Industry — Tennessee 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 Tennessee rates vary by carrier, your specific class codes, and Experience Mod.
Workers Comp in Tennessee — Key Facts
1. Tennessee Requirement & Market
Mandatory: YES — required for employers in Tennessee (check specific employee count thresholds)
Market: Private market (NCCI rates)
Tennessee uses NCCI (National Council on Compensation Insurance) for class code rate guidance. Workers' comp costs in Tennessee 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 Tennessee
Tennessee 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 Tennessee
Rates vary 20–40% between carriers for identical coverage. Compare before your next renewal.
Tennessee Workers Comp Summary
- →Avg rate: $1.35 per $100 payroll
- →$500K payroll: ~$6,750/yr avg risk
- →Cost vs national: below average
- →Mandatory: Yes