PA Workers Comp Calculator
Free Pennsylvania Estimate
Workers Compensation Insurance PA — Free Estimate
Enter your payroll and class code below for an instant estimate based on official 2026 PCRB loss costs. No agent required. No personal information needed.
Premium Calculator
Calculate Your Estimated Annual Workers' Comp Cost
Enter your class code and payroll on the left. Your estimate and premium breakdown will appear on the right.
What Goes Into a PA Workers Comp Estimate?
A Pennsylvania workers' compensation estimate is a calculated projection of your annual premium using the state's filed rating formula. Every estimate starts from the same four inputs:
- Annual payroll — total remuneration paid to employees in a class
- Class code — the PCRB classification that describes the work being performed
- Loss cost multiplier (LCM) — your insurer's individual loading factor (default: 1.50)
- Experience modifier (EMR) — your company's safety track record (default: 1.00 = average)
The result is a Manual Premium, which is then adjusted for employer liability limits, the expense constant ($350), and the PA Act 57 assessment (2.18%) to produce your Total Estimated Cost.
Sample 2026 Estimates
Based on $250,000 payroll · LCM 1.50 · EMR 1.00 · 100/500/100 limits
| Class Code | Description | 2026 Loss Cost | Est. Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 953 | OFFICE | $0.05 | $549 |
| 917 | GROCERY STORE | $1.14 | $4,722 |
| 661 | ELECTRICAL WIRING IN BUILDINGS | $1.36 | $5,561 |
| 652 | CARPENTRY - RESIDENTIAL | $4.26 | $16,666 |
| 811 | TRUCKING N.O.C. | $3.02 | $11,937 |
Estimates assume LCM 1.50, EMR 1.00, and 100/500/100 employer liability limits. Actual premiums vary by insurer and individual risk characteristics.
How Accurate Is This Estimate?
Uses Official 2026 PCRB Data
Loss costs are taken directly from the Pennsylvania Compensation Rating Bureau effective April 1, 2026 — the same data insurers use.
Standard Formula
The calculation follows the PCRB rating formula: Manual Premium → Subject Premium → Modified Premium → Total Policy + Act 57 assessment.
What It Can't Capture
Individual insurer LCMs, schedule credits/debits, non-standard endorsements, and audit adjustments will affect your final billed premium.
Best Use
Use this estimate for budgeting, benchmarking carrier quotes, and understanding the key drivers of your workers' comp cost.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is this estimate the same as an official insurance quote?
No. This is a mathematical estimate using filed PCRB loss costs. An official quote from an insurer will reflect that carrier's own LCM, any schedule modifications, and underwriting adjustments. Use this estimate to benchmark and understand the baseline cost.
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What is the difference between an estimate and a rate?
A rate (or loss cost) is a per-$100 of payroll figure published by PCRB. An estimate multiplies that rate by your actual payroll and applies all the adjustments (LCM, EMR, expense constant, assessment) to produce a dollar premium figure.
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Do I need workers' comp in Pennsylvania if I have only one employee?
Generally yes — Pennsylvania requires workers' comp for any business with one or more employees (including part-time workers). Sole proprietors with no employees are typically exempt but may elect to cover themselves.
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How often does PCRB update loss costs?
PCRB files loss cost updates annually. The current filing is effective April 1, 2026. This calculator will be updated when a new filing takes effect.
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What if my class code isn't in the list?
All 632 active PCRB class codes are included. If you can't find your code, try searching by the type of work performed rather than a specific job title. You can also browse the full class code directory.
Ready for a Real Quote?
Use your estimate to compare carrier quotes. PA-licensed agents can often match or beat the baseline figures — especially if your EMR is below 1.00.