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At Labor and Industries, we use data every day to make decisions. Here you will find a collection of data visualizations that examine workers’ compensation in Washington State.

Workers' Compensation Premium Index Rates

Every two years, the state of Oregon releases a study that examines workers’ compensation rates nationwide. The study ranks states from high to low with the highest cost state receiving a rank of 1. Washington's 2022 premium index rate, at $1.31, ranks 24 out of 50 states in the nation. Read more about the methodology behind the index rate below.

2022 Premium Index Rates Across the United States

What is the Index Rate?

Every state's economy is different, which leads to a different mix of industries, occupations, and occupational hazards. We want to factor out this difference by using a comparable mix of risk classifications for each state. The Index Rate is a type of weighted average, using a consistent mix of 50 major risk classifications, across all states. The weights used in the average are the most recent available Oregon payrolls for each class; thus the mix varies slightly from study to study.

Notes: The rank and index rate can be viewed by hovering the mouse over the state.

Between 2012 and 2022, Washington’s rates grew closer to the median rates with less year-to-year variability than seen in 2000-2010.

Washington Premium Index Rates Over Time

  • ⬤ = Washington State
  • ⬤ = Other State
Premium Index Rate
Notes: The rank and index rate can be viewed by hovering the mouse over the data point.

Washington State Composite Rate per $100 of Payroll

A composite rate is an insurance premium based on the average risk profile of a group rather than the risk profile of an individual policyholder. Changes to the composite rate may not reflect a change to an individual policy holder's rates, but it does suggest a change to the overall rates. The rate is expressed in dollars per $100 of business payroll and an average experience factor of 91%.

Rates go into effect January 1st each new calendar year, with an occasional mid-year adjustment. The below figure displays the year-to-year percent change in the composite rate. A positive percent change represent a general increase from the previous period's rate, whereas a negative value indicates a reduction.

Washington Composite Rate Year-to-Year Percent Change

per $100 of Payroll(USD)
  • ⬤ = Washington State
Rate Change (Percent) Year-to-Year
Source: The information is from the Department of Labor and Industries
Notes: Assuming Year Ending June 30, 2023 Distribution of Hours by Class and 91% average Experience Factor.

Between 2010 and 2024, Washington had a mean rate of $1.82 per $100 of payroll.

Deviation from Mean Washington Composite Rate

at a Mean Rate of $1.82 per $100 of Payroll(USD)
  • ⬤ = Washington State
Deviation (Dollars) from Mean Rate
Source: The information is from the Department of Labor and Industries