Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Insurance
Everything you need to know about workers' comp in Massachusetts: when it's required, who's exempt, average rates, and how to get coverage in 60 seconds.
When is workers' comp required in Massachusetts?
Required for any employer with at least one employee, including part-time and family members.
Sole proprietor & partnership rules
Sole proprietors are exempt unless they elect; partners can be excluded.
Owner / corporate officer exclusion
Officers may opt out; LLC members may exclude.
Massachusetts-specific notes
Massachusetts uses its own bureau (WCRIBMA). Family member coverage is required unless explicitly excluded.
How much does workers' comp cost in Massachusetts?
The average workers' comp rate in Massachusetts is approximately $0.94 per $100 of payroll. Your actual rate depends on your industry class code, claims history, payroll size, and carrier.
Example: a Massachusetts business with $100,000 in payroll at the state average rate would pay approximately $940 per year. A clerical-only business (class code 8810) would pay much less; a roofing contractor (5551) would pay much more.
Want an exact rate for your business?
Class code rates vary widely. Get a free quote and we'll look up your exact Massachusetts rate for your industry.
Get My Massachusetts Quote →Massachusetts workers' comp by industry
Industry-specific rates, common class codes, and requirements for Massachusetts businesses:
Frequently asked — Massachusetts workers' comp
Do I need workers' comp if I have only one employee in Massachusetts?
Yes — Massachusetts requires workers' comp coverage starting with one employee.
Are 1099 contractors covered under my Massachusetts workers' comp policy?
Generally no — true independent contractors are not employees and not covered. However, Massachusetts (like most states) applies an "ABC test" or similar to determine if a 1099 worker is actually a misclassified employee. If they're misclassified, you may owe back premium and penalties. Many general contractors require their 1099 subs to carry their own workers' comp.
Can I get pay-as-you-go workers' comp in Massachusetts?
Yes — most major carriers offer pay-as-you-go workers' comp in Massachusetts, with premium based on actual payroll each pay period instead of a large upfront deposit.
What if I'm being audited by my Massachusetts workers' comp carrier?
Workers' comp audits often result in additional premium owed because of misclassified employees, missed payroll, or wrong class codes. We offer free audit reviews and can dispute incorrect classifications with your carrier. In many cases we save clients thousands.