Workers Comp Cost in Kentucky
2026 rates — mandatory for most Kentucky employers
Calculate Your Kentucky Workers Comp Cost
Workers Comp Rates by Industry — Kentucky 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 Kentucky rates vary by carrier, your specific class codes, and Experience Mod.
Workers Comp in Kentucky — Key Facts
1. Kentucky Requirement & Market
Mandatory: YES — required for employers in Kentucky (check specific employee count thresholds)
Market: Private market (NCCI rates)
Kentucky uses NCCI (National Council on Compensation Insurance) for class code rate guidance. Workers' comp costs in Kentucky 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 Kentucky
Kentucky 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 Kentucky
Rates vary 20–40% between carriers for identical coverage. Compare before your next renewal.
Kentucky Workers Comp Summary
- →Avg rate: $1.27 per $100 payroll
- →$500K payroll: ~$6,375/yr avg risk
- →Cost vs national: below average
- →Mandatory: Yes