Manufacturing workers compensation in Wisconsin
Wisconsin uses an independent rating bureau (WCRB), so class-by-class Manufacturing rates are available only via the rating bureau, not in public filings. As a national reference, Manufacturing workers comp runs a median of $1.46 per $100 of payroll, with a range of $0.056 to $34.79 across reporting states. Wisconsin caps weekly benefits at $1,340 with a 12-year statute of limitations. Verified 2026-05-09.
Manufacturing rate context for Wisconsin
Wisconsin does not publish class-by-class loss costs publicly, but Manufacturing rates from comparable reporting states give you a useful planning range. Use the national rate range below as a baseline; your actual quote depends on payroll size, loss history, and your specific NCCI class code.
| Manufacturing class code | Typical occupation | National median | National range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6872 | Ship Building | $1.46 | $0.056 - $34.79 |
| 3081 | Automobile Mfg. | $1.46 | $0.056 - $34.79 |
| 3085 | Aircraft Mfg. | $1.46 | $0.056 - $34.79 |
| 1710 | Stone Cutting or Polishing | $1.46 | $0.056 - $34.79 |
| 3082 | Truck, Trailer or Bus Mfg. | $1.46 | $0.056 - $34.79 |
| 1803 | Plaster/Plaster Board Mfg. | $1.46 | $0.056 - $34.79 |
| 6801 | Boat Building - wood | $1.46 | $0.056 - $34.79 |
| 6845 | Boat Building | $1.46 | $0.056 - $34.79 |
| 1701 | Cement Manufacturing | $1.46 | $0.056 - $34.79 |
| 2111 | Malt House Operation | $1.46 | $0.056 - $34.79 |
Wisconsin compliance for Manufacturing employers
Coverage threshold
Employers with 3 or more employees, or 1 or more employees if paying $500 or more in wages in any calendar quarter.
1099 vs W-2 in Manufacturing
Workers are classified based on an 'economic realities' test, focusing on control and independence, not solely on 1099 status.
Owner exclusion
Allowed in Wisconsin. Sole proprietor self-coverage optional; LLC member self-coverage optional.
Max weekly benefit
$1,340 at 66.67% of average weekly wage, effective 2025-01-01.
Statute of limitations
12 years from injury date in Wisconsin.
Audit window
Wisconsin carriers audit payroll Typically within 90-120 days of policy expiration, but can extend longer.. Keep Manufacturing payroll segregated by class code and have job-duty documentation ready.
Cross-cite: full Wisconsin workers comp overview · Manufacturing cross-state rate comparison · Wisconsin workers comp lawyer guide · Wisconsin settlement chart
Estimate your Manufacturing premium in Wisconsin
Pre-filled to Manufacturing and Wisconsin. 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.
Filing checklist for Manufacturing businesses in Wisconsin
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Step 1, Confirm coverage threshold
Employers with 3 or more employees, or 1 or more employees if paying $500 or more in wages in any calendar quarter. 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. Across reporting states, Manufacturing median rates run $1.46 per $100 with a range of $0.056 to $34.79.
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Step 3, Get a quote
Private carriers write Manufacturing coverage in Wisconsin. Schedule credits up to 25% are typical for low-loss accounts.
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Step 4, Document subcontractors
General contractors are liable for injuries to uninsured subcontractor's 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 Typically within 90-120 days of policy expiration, but can extend longer.. 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 Wisconsin
Why aren't Manufacturing workers comp rates published for Wisconsin?
Wisconsin uses an independent rating bureau (WCRB). Class-by-class rate data for this state is available through the rating bureau or licensed brokers. For a national reference, Manufacturing median rates run $1.46 per $100 of payroll across all reporting states, with a typical range of $0.056 to $34.79.
How can a Manufacturing business in Wisconsin get a real quote?
Get a quote from any private carrier licensed in Wisconsin. Provide your annual payroll, ownership structure, and your current Manufacturing class code. Most carriers will return a binding quote within 24-48 hours. Schedule credits up to 25% are typical for low-loss accounts.
Are Manufacturing 1099 contractors covered by workers comp in Wisconsin?
Workers are classified based on an 'economic realities' test, focusing on control and independence, not solely on 1099 status.
What is the maximum weekly benefit for an injured Manufacturing worker in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin caps weekly workers comp benefits at $1,340 (effective 2025-01-01), 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 Wisconsin?
The statute of limitations in Wisconsin is 12 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 Wisconsin?
Yes, Wisconsin 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.