PA Workers Comp Calculator
Northeast Pennsylvania · City Guide · 2026
Workers Compensation Insurance in Scranton, Pennsylvania
Scranton anchors the Lackawanna Valley and serves as the commercial center of Northeast Pennsylvania. From healthcare to warehousing to construction, all Scranton employers with one or more employees must carry PA workers' comp coverage.
Scranton has a population of approximately 76,000. The broader Scranton–Wilkes-Barre metro area exceeds 550,000 and has attracted significant distribution and logistics investment.
Workers' Comp Landscape in Scranton
Scranton is the commercial hub of Northeast PA, with Geisinger Community Medical Center and Allied Services anchoring a large healthcare employment base. The I-81 corridor running through the Scranton-Wilkes-Barre metro has attracted major distribution and fulfillment operations, creating a dual exposure profile of clinical healthcare and warehouse/logistics risks.
Regional Claim Trend
Healthcare-sector claims in the Scranton area are dominated by patient-handling injuries (back strains, shoulder injuries) and slip-and-falls in clinical settings. Distribution center employers along I-81 see high frequencies of strain and sprain claims from repetitive lifting and conveyor line work.
PA Workers' Comp Requirements
- ✓ Required for: All Scranton employers with 1 or more employees
- ✓ Covers: Medical expenses, wage replacement (2/3 AWW), permanent impairment, death benefits
- ✓ Penalty for non-compliance: Criminal misdemeanor + civil penalties up to $2,500/day
- ✓ Insurer of last resort: SWIF (State Workers' Insurance Fund) — cannot deny coverage
Top Industries in Scranton and Workers' Comp Rates
Workers' comp rates are set statewide by the PCRB based on class code — the same loss costs apply throughout Pennsylvania. Below are the most common industries in Scranton and links to industry-specific rate guides.
How Workers' Comp Rates Work in Scranton
Pennsylvania workers' compensation premiums are calculated using the same statewide formula regardless of where your business is located:
× 1.0218 (PA Act 57 assessment)
- PCRB Loss Cost — the actuarial base rate per $100 payroll, set by the PA Compensation Rating Bureau based on statewide claims history for your class code.
- LCM (Loss Cost Multiplier) — each carrier files their own multiplier (typically 1.20–1.80). Shopping carriers is the fastest way to reduce your premium.
- EMR (Experience Modifier) — your individual loss history score. Businesses with few claims have EMRs below 1.00; businesses with high claims pay more.
Northeast PA has a competitive workers' comp market, particularly for distribution and healthcare employers.
Estimate Your Scranton Workers' Comp Premium
Enter your class code, payroll, LCM, and EMR for an instant 2026 estimate.
Workers' Comp FAQ — Scranton Employers
Scranton-area employers with distribution or warehouse operations should inquire about pay-as-you-go billing — the fluctuating headcounts common in fulfillment centers mean traditional annual-estimate billing often results in large, unexpected audit premiums.
Are Scranton workers' comp rates higher than the statewide average?
PCRB base loss costs are uniform across Pennsylvania. However, a business's total premium depends on its experience modifier, which reflects actual claims history. Employers in industries with historically high claim rates in the Northeast PA region may carry above-1.0 modifiers.
Can Scranton healthcare employers use a preferred provider network to control workers' comp costs?
Yes. Pennsylvania allows employers to direct injured workers to a panel of at least six providers for the first 90 days. Establishing a strong panel that includes occupational medicine specialists and physical therapists can significantly reduce claim duration and cost.
What class code applies to Scranton call center or BPO employees?
Call center and business process outsourcing employees are typically classified under code 8742 (outside sales or telephone/clerical), one of the lowest-rated class codes. Confirming accurate classification can prevent significant overpayment.
How long does a Scranton employer have to report a workers' comp injury?
The employer must report a work injury to their insurance carrier promptly. The carrier must file a First Report of Injury with the Bureau of Workers' Compensation within 48 hours of an employee's death, or within 10 days of a disabling injury.
Related Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Insurance Guides
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