Wisconsin Workers' Comp: Why the 7th Highest Rates Surprise Midwest Employers

Wisconsin's workers' comp rates rank 7th highest nationally at $1.42 per $100 of payroll — surprising for a business-friendly Midwest state. Here's why.

State Guides | 6 min read | 2026-03-18

Wisconsin's workers' comp rates rank 7th highest nationally — surprising for a state known as business-friendly. Here's what's driving the costs and how to manage them.

Wisconsin ranks 7th most expensive among all 51 U.S. jurisdictions for workers' compensation, with an index rate of $1.42 per $100 of payroll — 30% above the national median. This surprises many employers who associate Wisconsin with a business-friendly Midwest environment and moderate costs.

In This Article

• The Surprise: Wisconsin's High Workers' Comp Rates
• Why Are Wisconsin's Rates So High?
• Manufacturing: Wisconsin's Dominant Risk
• Dairy and Agriculture: Unique Exposures
• Managing Costs in a High-Rate State

RISKX — Commercial Insurance Agency | Licensed in All 50 States | (800) 400-8398 | service@riskx.com