New Jersey Workers' Comp: Why It's the 2nd Most Expensive — and What You Can Do

New Jersey has the 2nd highest workers' comp rates in the U.S. at $2.16 per $100 of payroll. Learn why rates are so high and how to manage costs.

State Guides | 7 min read | 2026-03-18

New Jersey has the 2nd highest workers' comp rates in the nation at $2.16 per $100 of payroll. Here's why it's so expensive and what employers can do to manage costs.

New Jersey ranks 2nd most expensive among all 51 U.S. jurisdictions for workers' compensation, according to the Oregon DCBS 2024 Premium Rate Ranking Study. The state's index rate is $2.16 per $100 of payroll — 98% above the national median of $1.09. Only Wyoming ($2.23) is more expensive.

New Jersey Workers' Comp: Why It's the 2nd Most Expensive — and What You Can Do

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