Manufacturing workers compensation in Virginia
Manufacturing businesses in Virginia pay a median rate of $0.950 per $100 of payroll, ranging from $0.167 to $5.72. The national median for Manufacturing is $1.46, so Virginia sits 35% below the national average. 219 unique NCCI class codes are filed in this state for Manufacturing occupations. Verified 2026-05-09.
Top Manufacturing class codes in Virginia
The class codes most likely to apply to a Manufacturing operation in Virginia, sorted from cheapest to most expensive per $100 of payroll. Click into any code for the full state-by-state rate comparison.
| Code | Occupation | Rate per $100 | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2660 | Chemical Mfg. - Soap, Detergent | $0.677 | HIGH |
| 2501 | Clothing Manufacturing | $0.794 | HIGH |
| 4470 | Textile Weaving Mills | $0.907 | HIGH |
| 1701 | Cement Manufacturing | $0.999 | HIGH |
| 2111 | Malt House Operation | $1.02 | HIGH |
| 1710 | Stone Cutting or Polishing | $1.13 | HIGH |
| 3082 | Truck, Trailer or Bus Mfg. | $1.30 | HIGH |
| 3085 | Aircraft Mfg. | $1.48 | HIGH |
| 6801 | Boat Building - wood | $1.54 | HIGH |
| 3365 | Metal Plating & Finishing | $1.87 | HIGH |
Virginia compliance for Manufacturing employers
Coverage threshold
Employers with 3 or more employees, regular or part-time, are required to carry workers' compensation insurance.
1099 vs W-2 in Manufacturing
Individuals classified as independent contractors (1099) are generally not covered by workers' compensation, but their classification can be challenged based on the actual nature of the working relationship.
Owner exclusion
Allowed in Virginia. Sole proprietor self-coverage optional; LLC member self-coverage optional.
Max weekly benefit
$1,463 at 66.67% of average weekly wage, effective 2025-07-01.
Statute of limitations
2 years from injury date in Virginia.
Audit window
Virginia carriers audit payroll within 90 days of policy expiration. Keep Manufacturing payroll segregated by class code and have job-duty documentation ready.
Cross-cite: full Virginia workers comp overview · Manufacturing cross-state rate comparison · Virginia workers comp lawyer guide · Virginia settlement chart
Estimate your Manufacturing premium in Virginia
Pre-filled to Manufacturing and Virginia. Adjust payroll to see a real premium range from filed rates.
Estimate your workers comp premium
Pick your industry, state, and annual payroll. Range comes from real rate filings.
Estimated annual premium for Manufacturing in Virginia
$835to$28,585
Median: $4,748 · Rate range $0.167 to $5.72 per $100 payroll
Industry median across all states
$7,300
Cheapest states for Manufacturing
- Utah $0.490
- Kentucky $0.940
- Virginia $0.950
Most expensive
- California $4.74
- New Jersey $3.56
- Hawaii $2.94
Estimate based on 24 states of rate-filing data. Actual premium also reflects experience modifier, schedule credits, and carrier underwriting.
Filing checklist for Manufacturing businesses in Virginia
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Step 1, Confirm coverage threshold
Employers with 3 or more employees, regular or part-time, are required to carry workers' compensation insurance. For Manufacturing operations, this typically applies once you make a first W-2 hire, even part-time.
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Step 2, Pick the right class code
Manufacturing businesses typically use codes like 6872, 3081, 3085. The wrong code can cost 4 to 10x more or get reclassified at audit. In Virginia, the cheapest code on this list is 2660 at $0.677 and the most expensive is 3365 at $1.87.
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Step 3, Get a quote
Private carriers write Manufacturing coverage in Virginia. Schedule credits up to 25% are typical for low-loss accounts.
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Step 4, Document subcontractors
General contractors are responsible for ensuring that their subcontractors carry workers' compensation insurance or for providing coverage for their subcontractors' employees. Manufacturing operators with crews of 1099s should keep certificates of insurance for every sub, otherwise the GC absorbs the sub liability at audit.
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Step 5, Annual audit
Carriers audit payroll within 90 days of policy expiration. Have payroll segregated by class code, job descriptions on file, and overtime properly excluded from rated payroll. Manufacturing class allocation can shift if any worker spends more than 50% of time on a different code.
Manufacturing workers comp FAQs in Virginia
What is the typical workers comp rate for Manufacturing in Virginia?
Manufacturing employers in Virginia pay a median rate of $0.950 per $100 of payroll, with rates ranging from $0.167 to $5.72 depending on the specific class code. The national median across all states for Manufacturing is $1.46, so Virginia sits about 35% below the national average.
How many Manufacturing class codes are filed in Virginia?
Virginia has 219 unique NCCI class codes filed for Manufacturing occupations, drawn from 222 state-class code rate cells in our dataset. The most common codes include 6872 (Ship Building), 3081 (Automobile Mfg.), 3085 (Aircraft Mfg.).
Are Manufacturing 1099 contractors covered by workers comp in Virginia?
Individuals classified as independent contractors (1099) are generally not covered by workers' compensation, but their classification can be challenged based on the actual nature of the working relationship.
What is the maximum weekly benefit for an injured Manufacturing worker in Virginia?
Virginia caps weekly workers comp benefits at $1,463 (effective 2025-07-01), calculated as 66.67% of the average weekly wage. Manufacturing workers are subject to the same statutory cap as workers in any other industry.
How long does a Manufacturing worker have to file a comp claim in Virginia?
The statute of limitations in Virginia is 2 years from the date of injury. Most claims also require notice to the employer within 30 days. Manufacturing workers should report any incident on the date it happens, even minor strains, because cumulative trauma claims can fail without contemporaneous documentation.
Can a Manufacturing business owner exclude themselves from comp coverage in Virginia?
Yes, Virginia allows business owners (sole proprietors, partners, LLC members, corporate officers) to file an exclusion election. Manufacturing owner-operators often elect out to keep premium below the minimum. Sole-proprietor self-coverage is not required, and LLC member self-coverage is not required.