PA Workers Comp Calculator
ATHLETIC TEAM - CONTACT SPORTS
2026 PCRB Loss Cost
The official PCRB loss cost for class code 970 is $2.866 per $100 of annual payroll, effective April 1, 2026. This is the base pure-loss component before applying your carrier's Loss Cost Multiplier (LCM), Experience Modifier (EMR), expense constant, and PA Act 57 assessment.
Estimated 2026 Premium Examples
Based on typical assumptions: LCM 1.50 · EMR 1.00 · 100/500/100 employer liability limits. Actual premiums will vary by carrier and individual risk factors.
| Annual Payroll | Manual Premium | Total Est. Cost (incl. $350 + PA 2.18%) |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $2,150 | $2,554 |
| $100,000 | $4,299 | $4,750 |
| $250,000 | $10,748 | $11,339 |
| $500,000 | $21,495 | $22,321 |
| $1,000,000 | $42,990 | $44,285 |
* Assumes LCM 1.50 · EMR 1.00 · Exp. constant $350 · PA Act 57 assessment 2.18%
About Class Code 970: ATHLETIC TEAM - CONTACT SPORTS
Pennsylvania workers' compensation class code 970 covers operations classified as ATHLETIC TEAM - CONTACT SPORTS. It belongs to Hazard Group A, which the PCRB uses to group similar-risk occupations for statistical credibility in ratemaking.
When your workers' comp policy is issued, your insurer assigns a class code to each group of employees based on the work they actually perform. Using the correct class code is critical: under-classification can lead to coverage gaps and audit surcharges; over-classification means you're paying more than required.
With a elevated loss cost of $2.866 per $100 payroll, this classification reflects elevated physical risk — manual labor or environments with meaningful injury potential.
How to Reduce Your Workers' Comp Premium for This Code
Hazard Group A covers the lowest-risk occupations — primarily clerical, professional, and office-based work with minimal physical hazard.
- Segregate clerical payroll on your policy
If any employees share dual roles (e.g., a field technician who also does 30% office work), document that split carefully. Payroll properly allocated to Code 953 (Office) carries one of the lowest rates in Pennsylvania — every dollar correctly assigned to clerical reduces your blended premium. - Shop your renewal aggressively — Group A codes see the widest LCM spread
Because Group A codes represent low-risk, desirable business for carriers, Loss Cost Multipliers for these codes vary more between insurers than for high-hazard codes. The difference between a competitive LCM (around 1.2) and a complacent renewal LCM (1.6–1.8) can be 30–40% on the same payroll. - Implement an ergonomics program to keep EMR at 1.0 or below
Even in low-hazard offices, repetitive strain and ergonomic injuries (wrist, shoulder, back) are the dominant claim type. A documented ergonomics program — including workstation assessments and regular stretch breaks — is the most cost-effective way to prevent claims and maintain a favorable Experience Modifier. - Verify remote worker classification carefully
Telecommuting clerical employees have a dedicated code (Code 822) that may carry different rates than the standard office code. With remote work common in Group A occupations, ensuring remote employees are correctly coded prevents audit adjustments at year-end.
Use the Full Calculator for Code 970
Enter your actual payroll, LCM, EMR, and employer liability limit for a personalized estimate using your specific inputs.
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