PA Workers Comp Calculator
Construction is one of the highest-risk industries for workers' compensation claims in Pennsylvania. From general contractors to specialty subcontractors, PA construction businesses face elevated premiums driven by fall hazards, equipment injuries, and the physical demands of the work.
Construction workers in Pennsylvania have injury rates well above the state average. Falls from heights, struck-by incidents, and overexertion injuries are the primary loss drivers. The PCRB reflects this with loss costs ranging from $5 to $25+ per $100 payroll depending on the specific trade.
2026 Workers' Comp Rates for Construction in Pennsylvania
Based on 2026 PCRB loss costs · LCM 1.50 · EMR 1.00 · Includes $350 expense constant + PA 2.18% assessment. Actual carrier premiums will vary.
| Class Code | Description | Loss Cost | $50K Payroll | $100K Payroll | $250K Payroll | $500K Payroll |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 903 | LABOR UNION | $0.063 | $406 | $454 | $599 | $840 |
| 551 | CHEMICAL MFG., N. O. C. | $0.639 | $847 | $1,337 | $2,806 | $5,255 |
| 507 | GRAPHITE PRODUCTS MFG. | $0.848 | $1,007 | $1,657 | $3,607 | $6,856 |
| 461 | MACHINE SHOP | $0.961 | $1,094 | $1,831 | $4,040 | $7,722 |
| 416 | CAR MFG. | $0.889 | $1,039 | $1,720 | $3,764 | $7,170 |
* LCM 1.50 · EMR 1.00 · Expense constant $350 · PA Act 57 assessment 2.18%
Common Workers' Comp Risks in Construction
- ▸ Falls from roofs, ladders, and scaffolding
- ▸ Struck-by injuries from tools and materials
- ▸ Caught-in/caught-between machinery
- ▸ Electrical hazards
- ▸ Overexertion and musculoskeletal injuries
- ▸ Eye and hand injuries from power tools
How to Reduce Your Workers' Comp Cost in Construction
Industry-specific strategies that lower your premium — not generic advice.
- Maintain a full-time safety officer or designate a safety lead on every job site
- Implement a fall protection program that exceeds OSHA minimums
- Use a return-to-work program with modified duty — this is the single biggest EMR driver
- Accurately separate clerical, supervisory, and estimating payroll from field labor (Code 953)
- Obtain subcontractor certificates of insurance before every job — uninsured subs are charged to your audit
- Shop specialty construction carriers who file lower LCMs for your specific trade
Calculate Your Construction Workers' Comp Premium
Enter your actual payroll, class code, LCM, and EMR for a personalized 2026 estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions — Construction Workers' Comp in PA
What class codes apply to general contractors in Pennsylvania?
General contractors typically use Code 903 (Buildings - construction, repair) for general construction work, Code 922 (buildings - not otherwise classified), and various specialty codes depending on the work performed. Clerical staff can be coded to 953. A licensed PA broker or PCRB representative can help assign the correct codes for your specific operations.
Do I need workers' comp for subcontractors in Pennsylvania?
You don't need to cover subcontractors who carry their own workers' comp policy — that's why you must collect certificates of insurance (COIs) from every sub. If a sub doesn't have their own coverage, your insurer will charge them as your employees at your rate during audit. Always get COIs before work begins.
Why is construction workers' comp so expensive in Pennsylvania?
Construction has among the highest injury rates of any industry. Falls from heights — roofs, ladders, scaffolding — are particularly severe and expensive claims. The PCRB's loss costs reflect decades of Pennsylvania claims data showing elevated frequency and severity for construction work.