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Workers' Comp Insurance for Retail Businesses in Washington

Retail (NCCI 8017 NOC) is one of the lowest-risk class codes outside of office work. Specialty retail (clothing 8008, jewelry 8013, hardware 8010) may have their own codes with slight rate variation 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 Retail rate in WA
$2.06
per $100 payroll
$100K payroll → annual
$2,056
estimated annual premium
Washington bureau
L&I
Monopolistic

Washington requirements for retail 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.

Retail class codes used in Washington

8017 Store — Retail NOC
$1.05-$3.69
WA typical rate
8008 Store — Clothing or Apparel
$0.63-$2.11
WA typical rate
8010 Store — Hardware
$1.58-$4.43
WA typical rate
8013 Store — Jewelry
$0.32-$0.95
WA typical rate
8044 Store — Furniture
$1.58-$4.22
WA typical rate

Why retail workers' comp is tricky in Washington

Retail with significant warehouse or stocking exposure can be reclassified — pure storefront vs warehouse distribution have very different rates.

Tips for Washington retail stores

  • ✓ Pure storefront retail = lowest rates
  • ✓ Stockroom/warehouse exposure may trigger 8292
  • ✓ Holiday seasonal employees should be reported separately

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Retail workers' comp in other states

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

Retail in California $1.45 Retail in Texas $1.04 Retail in Florida $1.42 Retail in New York $1.41 Retail in Pennsylvania $1.27 Retail in Illinois $1.66 Retail in Ohio $0.74 Retail 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 Restaurants in WA 4 class codes

More Washington workers' comp resources