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Workers' Comp Insurance for Restaurants Businesses in Washington

Restaurants use NCCI 9082 (full-service) or 9083 (fast-food/quick-service). Bars and taverns use 9079. Cuts, burns, and slips drive most claims — moderate rates compared to construction trades but high frequency in Washington. The Washington workers' compensation market is governed by L&I (state fund) — a monopolistic state fund (no private market), and the average rate statewide is approximately $1.16 per $100 of payroll.

Avg Restaurants rate in WA
$3.30
per $100 payroll
$100K payroll → annual
$3,295
estimated annual premium
Washington bureau
L&I
Monopolistic

Washington requirements for restaurants businesses

When required: All employers must obtain coverage through Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — monopolistic state.

Sole proprietors: Sole proprietors are exempt unless they elect to enroll with L&I.

Owner / officer exclusion: Officers and LLC members may be excluded.

⚠️ Washington is a monopolistic state

All Washington workers' comp coverage must be purchased through the state fund (L&I (state fund)). Private workers' comp insurance is not available in Washington, but we can help with employer's liability ("stop-gap") coverage that complements the state fund.

Restaurants class codes used in Washington

9082 Restaurant — NOC
$1.58-$4.75
WA typical rate
9083 Restaurant — Fast Food
$1.27-$3.69
WA typical rate
9079 Restaurant — Bartender / Tavern
$2.11-$5.80
WA typical rate
9072 Pizza Shop / Delivery — Restaurant
$1.90-$5.27
WA typical rate

Why restaurants workers' comp is tricky in Washington

Restaurants with significant alcohol sales (>50%) are coded as bars (9079) at higher rates. Delivery drivers may need separate auto coverage. Tipped employees create payroll auditing complications.

Tips for Washington restaurants

  • ✓ Track tipped wages separately for accurate payroll reporting
  • ✓ Pizza delivery has separate exposure — many carriers require non-owned auto
  • ✓ Slip mats and non-slip footwear policies earn schedule credits
  • ✓ Burns from fryers are the #1 claim — document fryer safety training

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Restaurants workers' comp in other states

Rates and requirements for restaurants vary widely by state. Compare Washington to other major markets:

Restaurants in California $1.45 Restaurants in Texas $1.04 Restaurants in Florida $1.42 Restaurants in New York $1.41 Restaurants in Pennsylvania $1.27 Restaurants in Illinois $1.66 Restaurants in Ohio $0.74 Restaurants in Georgia $1.06

Other industries in Washington

Washington workers' comp rates and requirements for other common industries:

Construction in WA 9 class codes Roofing in WA 1 class code Plumbing in WA 3 class codes Electrical in WA 3 class codes HVAC in WA 2 class codes Painting in WA 3 class codes Landscaping in WA 3 class codes Retail in WA 5 class codes

More Washington workers' comp resources