Workers Comp Cost in New Jersey
2026 rates — mandatory for most New Jersey employers
Calculate Your New Jersey Workers Comp Cost
Workers Comp Rates by Industry — New Jersey 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 New Jersey rates vary by carrier, your specific class codes, and Experience Mod.
Workers Comp in New Jersey — Key Facts
1. New Jersey Requirement & Market
Mandatory: YES — required for employers in New Jersey (check specific employee count thresholds)
Market: State fund available + private market
New Jersey uses a state-administered rating system for class code rate guidance. Workers' comp costs in New Jersey 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 New Jersey
New Jersey 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 New Jersey
Rates vary 20–40% between carriers for identical coverage. Compare before your next renewal.
New Jersey Workers Comp Summary
- →Avg rate: $1.98 per $100 payroll
- →$500K payroll: ~$9,900/yr avg risk
- →Cost vs national: above average
- →Mandatory: Yes