Workers comp rates and rules in Rhode Island
Rhode Island has 580 workers comp class codes with filed rates, a maximum weekly benefit of $1,760 (62% of average weekly wage), and a statute of limitations of 2 years. Verified 2026-05-08.
Class code rate comparison
The top 50 workers comp class codes filed in Rhode Island, sorted from cheapest to most expensive per $100 of payroll. Cross-state percentile shows where each code sits versus the same code in other states.
| State | Occupation | Code | Rate per $100 | vs peers | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | Real Estate Clerical | 8803 | $0.030 | 55% | view |
| Rhode Island | Hospice Care - All Other | 8871 | $0.030 | 53% | view |
| Rhode Island | Architects | 8603 | $0.040 | 53% | view |
| Rhode Island | Furniture Salespersons | 8723 | $0.070 | 61% | view |
| Rhode Island | Medical Office Clerical | 8805 | $0.080 | 64% | view |
| Rhode Island | Clerical office | 8810 | $0.080 | 59% | view |
| Rhode Island | Telemarketing Clerical | 8814 | $0.080 | 71% | view |
| Rhode Island | College Other Employees | 8820 | $0.080 | 68% | view |
| Rhode Island | Hospice Care | 8855 | $0.080 | 72% | view |
| Rhode Island | Telemarketing Clerical | 8814 M | $0.100 | 50% | view |
| Rhode Island | Medical Office Clerical | 8805 M | $0.110 | 56% | view |
| Rhode Island | Ambulance Service | 7402 | $0.120 | 88% | view |
| Rhode Island | Clerical Telecommuter Employees | 8815 | $0.130 | 64% | view |
| Rhode Island | Telephone/Telegraph Companies | 8901 | $0.130 | 80% | view |
| Rhode Island | Consulting Engineers | 8601 | $0.160 | 41% | view |
| Rhode Island | Property Management NOC | 8737 | $0.160 | 64% | view |
| Rhode Island | Clerical Telecommuter Employees | 8815 M | $0.170 | 56% | view |
| Rhode Island | Insurance Adjusters | 8734 | $0.180 | 64% | view |
| Rhode Island | Salesperson, outside | 8742 | $0.190 | 73% | view |
| Rhode Island | Advertising Sales | 8755 | $0.200 | 62% | view |
| Rhode Island | Physician, non-surgical | 8832 | $0.200 | 71% | view |
| Rhode Island | College, non-faculty | 8868 | $0.200 | 36% | view |
| Rhode Island | Property Management NOC | 8737 M | $0.230 | 75% | view |
| Rhode Island | Jewelry Salespersons | 8721 | $0.240 | 88% | view |
| Rhode Island | Interior Trim Installation | 5951 | $0.260 | 43% | view |
| Rhode Island | Insurance Adjusters | 8734 M | $0.260 | 75% | view |
| Rhode Island | Glassware Manufacturing | 4109 | $0.280 | 61% | view |
| Rhode Island | Residential Property Management | 8738 | $0.280 | 71% | view |
| Rhode Island | Landscape Gardening | 0771 N | $0.320 | 69% | view |
| Rhode Island | Drug Manufacturing | 4511 | $0.320 | 67% | view |
| Rhode Island | Adult Day Care | 8856 | $0.320 | 59% | view |
| Rhode Island | Barber, beauty parlor, hair stylist | 9586 | $0.340 | 77% | view |
| Rhode Island | Boat Livery | 7453 N | $0.380 | 73% | view |
| Rhode Island | Telecom Line Construction | 7610 | $0.400 | 73% | view |
| Rhode Island | Residential Property Management | 8738 M | $0.410 | 81% | view |
| Rhode Island | RV Salespersons | 8748 | $0.420 | 77% | view |
| Rhode Island | Vessel Operations NOC | 7445 N | $0.430 | 81% | view |
| Rhode Island | Jewelry Stores | 8013 | $0.430 | 91% | view |
| Rhode Island | Stevedoring Operations | 7431 | $0.440 | 65% | view |
| Rhode Island | Oil & Gas Well Drilling | 4825 | $0.450 | 60% | view |
| Rhode Island | Retail Store - Shoe | 8072 | $0.450 | 89% | view |
| Rhode Island | Electrical Wiring Devices Manufacturing | 3681 | $0.460 | 68% | view |
| Rhode Island | Storage Battery Manufacturing | 4692 | $0.460 | 68% | view |
| Rhode Island | Fruit & Vegetable Stores | 8015 | $0.480 | 85% | view |
| Rhode Island | YMCA, YWCA, gym | 9063 | $0.520 | 67% | view |
| Rhode Island | Oil refinery | 3719 | $0.530 | 55% | view |
| Rhode Island | Office Machinery Manufacturing | 3826 | $0.530 | 65% | view |
| Rhode Island | Outside Sales - All Other | 8799 | $0.530 | 94% | view |
| Rhode Island | Brass, Bronze, Copper Foundry | 3119 | $0.540 | 69% | view |
| Rhode Island | Electrical Instrument Manufacturing | 3685 | $0.550 | 71% | view |
Bottom quartile (cheap) Mid Top quartile (expensive) This state
Rhode Island coverage rules & benefits
Coverage threshold
Mandatory for employers with one or more employees.
Max weekly benefit
$1,760 (62% of average weekly wage), effective 2024.
TTD weeks
312 weeks of temporary total disability benefits.
PPD weeks
312 weeks of permanent partial disability (whole-body schedule).
Death benefit
Up to $1,760,000 in fatal-claim death benefits to dependents.
Statute of limitations
2 years from injury date to file the claim.
1099 contractor treatment
Beginning on January 1, 2024, independent contractors are required to file an annual registration for the duration of their relationship with each entity.
Owner exclusion
Allowed. Sole proprietor self-coverage: optional. LLC member self-coverage: optional.
State fund
Beacon Mutual Insurance Company is the state-administered carrier.
Estimate your premium in Rhode Island
Pre-filled to Rhode Island. Pick your industry and 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 Rhode Island
$1,400to$64,850
Median: $8,550 · Rate range $0.280 to $12.97 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 & compliance in Rhode Island
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Step 1, Confirm coverage threshold
Mandatory for employers with one or more employees.
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Step 2, Determine class code
Your premium uses the NCCI class code that best matches your operation. The wrong class code can cost 4-10x more or get reclassified at audit.
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Step 3, Get a quote (or use the state fund)
Beacon Mutual Insurance Company is one option; private carriers like Travelers, Hartford, and Liberty Mutual also write coverage in Rhode Island. Schedule credits up to 25% are typical for low-loss accounts.
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Step 4, Track payroll & subcontractors
General contractors are typically liable for the workers' compensation coverage of their uninsured subcontractors and their employees. Keep certificates of insurance for every sub.
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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.
Rhode Island workers comp FAQs
Who has to carry workers compensation insurance in Rhode Island?
Mandatory for employers with one or more employees.
What is the maximum weekly workers comp benefit in Rhode Island?
The current maximum weekly benefit in Rhode Island is $1,760 (effective 2024). Benefits are typically 62% of the average weekly wage, capped at the state maximum.
How long do I have to file a workers comp claim in Rhode Island?
The statute of limitations for filing a workers compensation claim in Rhode Island is 2 years from the date of injury. Notice to the employer is typically required within 30 days.
Are 1099 contractors covered by workers comp in Rhode Island?
Beginning on January 1, 2024, independent contractors are required to file an annual registration for the duration of their relationship with each entity.
Can business owners exclude themselves from workers comp coverage in Rhode Island?
Yes, Rhode Island allows business owners (sole proprietors, partners, LLC members, corporate officers) to exclude themselves from coverage by filing the appropriate election form. Sole-proprietor self-coverage is not required; LLC member self-coverage is not required.
What is the penalty for not carrying workers comp in Rhode Island?
Penalties for non-compliance include fines, stop-work orders, and potential civil and criminal charges. Employers may also be liable for the full cost of an injured worker's medical expenses and lost wages.
When does my workers comp carrier audit my payroll in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island typically requires a payroll audit Within 90 days of policy expiration. Final premium is reconciled to actual payroll, and class code allocation can shift based on the audit findings. Keep payroll segregated by class code and have job-duty documentation ready.
Am I liable for subcontractors' workers comp in Rhode Island?
General contractors are typically liable for the workers' compensation coverage of their uninsured subcontractors and their employees.