Workers Compensation
North Carolina workers compensation legislation and insurance rates are generally more fiscally responsible and cost employers less money than in other states, according to the National Council on Compensation Insurance. Workers compensation legislation in North Carolina includes the following provisions that could contribute to substantial labor cost savings for employers:
  • Self-insurance is permitted
  • Insurance rates lower than the standard industry rates are permitted for firms that qualify
  • Clear-cut accident on the job is a condition for benefit compensation
  • Free accident-prevention workshops designed for each product manufactured are offered


Examples of Workers Compensation Insurance Rates
(April 1, 2002)
Industry Product Class Code Lost Cost Insurance Rate per $100 payroll (Assigned Risk) Minimum Premium
Electrical Apparatus Mfg. 3179 $1.88 $3.06 $776
Agricultural or Construction Machinery Manufacturing 3507 $2.58 $4.21 $850
Computing, Recording or Office Machine Manufacturing 3574 $0.82 $1.34 $458
Precision Machined Parts Mfg. 3629 $1.94 $3.16 $795
Machine Shop 3632 $2.81 $4.58 $850
Television, Radio, Telephone or Telecommunication Device Mfg. 3681 $1.29 $2.10 $599
Instrument Manufacturing 3685 $1.19 $1.94 $569
Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Mfg. 4825 $0.96 $1.56 $499
Plastics Mfg. Molded Products 4484 $2.39 $3.90 $850
Analytical Chemist 4511 $0.58 $0.95 $386
Pharmaceutical or Surgical Goods Manufacturing 4693 $1.59 $2.59 $689
Architect/Engineer Consulting 8601 $0.69 $1.12 $417
Clerical Office Employees 8810 $0.24 $0.39 $282
Source: N.C. Rate Bureau


Workers Compensation Premium Rate & Ranking
State 2000 Ranking 1998 Ranking 1996 Ranking 1994 Ranking Index Rate Effective Date
Florida 1 2 3 8 4.08 October 10, 2000
Louisiana 2 5 2 1 3.36 October 10, 2000
California 3 1 13 15 3.34 October 10, 2000
New York 6 10 4 11 3.05 October 10, 2000
Ohio 9 16 12 25 2.89 October 10, 2000
Alabama 18 8 22 20 2.56 October 10, 2000
Kentucky 24 30 20 10 2.32 October 10, 2000
Idaho 29 32 38 30 2.11 October 10, 2000
Tennessee 31 23 24 36 2.1 October 10, 2000
North Dakota 35 41 45 50 1.79 October 10, 2000
North Carolina 43 44 36 40 1.64 October 10, 2000
Source: Research and Analysis Section, State of Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, 12/00


For additional information, contact the following agencies:

NC Industrial Commission   NC Rate Bureau
217 West Jones Street   5401 Six Forks Rd.
Raleigh, NC 27603   Raleigh, NC 27609
(919) 807-2500   (919) 783-9790


Research Triangle Regional Partnership
PO Box 80756 - RDU Airport, NC 27623 - Voice (919) 840-7372 - Fax (919) 840-0142