How Much Does Workers Comp Insurance Cost in South Carolina?
Average Workers Comp Insurance Cost in South Carolina
The average workers compensation insurance cost in South Carolina runs between $74 and $76 per month for small businesses, which works out to roughly $909 per year. That puts SC slightly below the national average, but your actual workers comp rates depend entirely on your industry, payroll size, and claims history.
A Greenville office with three clerical employees will pay a fraction of what a roofing contractor in Greer pays. The gap is enormous because workers comp premiums are tied directly to the risk level of the work being performed. The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) assigns a class code to every type of job, and each class code carries its own rate per $100 of payroll.
As an independent insurance agency in Greenville, The Morgano Agency shops your workers comp policy across multiple insurance carriers to find the most competitive compensation rate for your specific business. Different carriers offer different credits, and we know which ones write the best rates for Upstate SC businesses. Workers comp is just one part of your business insurance package, and bundling policies with the same carrier often unlocks additional discounts.
South Carolina Workers Comp Rates by Industry
These are sample rates from a South Carolina insurance carrier for common NCCI class codes. The rate reflects the cost per $100 of payroll. Annual premium estimates assume a $25,000 payroll.
| Industry | NCCI Code | Rate/$100 | Est. Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clerical / Office | 8810 | $0.18 | $45 |
| Sales Professional | 8742 | $0.30 | $75 |
| Medical Office | 8832 | $0.33 | $83 |
| Restaurant / Catering | 9082 | $1.42 | $355 |
| Retail Store | 8017 | $1.60 | $400 |
| Property Management | 9012 | $0.90 | $225 |
| Home Healthcare | 8835 | $2.27 | $568 |
| Landscaping | 9102 | $2.54 | $635 |
| Janitorial Service | 9014 | $2.77 | $693 |
| Plumbing Contractor | 5183 | $2.97 | $743 |
| Electrician | 5190 | $3.14 | $785 |
| HVAC Service | 5537 | $3.77 | $943 |
| Painting Contractor | 5474 | $6.90 | $1,725 |
| Residential Construction | 5645 | $16.82 | $4,205 |
Rates shown are from a single carrier and are for illustration. Your actual rate may differ. Insurance carriers in South Carolina can adjust base rates by up to 25% based on your safety record, management experience, and claims history. Call The Morgano Agency at (864) 609-5285 for a personalized quote.
What Factors Affect Your Workers Comp Cost in South Carolina?
Beyond your NCCI class code and payroll, several factors determine what you actually pay for workers compensation coverage in Greenville, SC:
How to Lower Your Workers Comp Insurance Costs
You have more control over your workers comp premiums than you might think. Greenville business owners who take these steps consistently see their compensation insurance rates drop over time:
Implement a Safety Program
A documented workplace safety program reduces injuries and lowers your comp claims. Many carriers offer 5-10% premium credits for businesses with formal safety training. Pairing a safety program with a solid general liability insurance policy protects your business from both employee injuries and third-party claims. OSHA’s safety management guidelines are a good starting point.
Verify Your Class Codes
Employees assigned to the wrong NCCI class code can inflate your premium. If your office manager is coded as a construction worker, you are overpaying. Review your classifications with your insurance agent every year.
Start a Return-to-Work Program
Getting injured employees back to light-duty work faster reduces the total cost of each claim. Lower claim costs mean a better experience modification rate, which means lower premiums at renewal.
Shop Multiple Insurance Carriers
An independent insurance agency like The Morgano Agency compares workers comp quotes from multiple carriers. The same business can see premium differences of 20-30% between carriers because each company applies its own credits and underwriting guidelines.
Which South Carolina Businesses Need Workers Comp?
South Carolina requires workers compensation insurance for any business with four or more employees, including part-time and seasonal workers. This is regulated by the SC Workers’ Compensation Commission.
The four-employee threshold counts all workers: full-time, part-time, family members, and seasonal help. If you are a general contractor in Greenville, your subcontractors’ uninsured employees may count toward your total, making you responsible for their comp coverage under SC law. Our workers compensation insurance page covers the full list of SC requirements and exemptions.
Businesses with fewer than four employees are not required to carry workers comp in South Carolina, but many choose to. A single workplace injury without coverage can result in out-of-pocket medical bills, lost wages, and a lawsuit. Sole proprietors, LLC owners, and partners are exempt from coverage by default but may elect to be included on the policy for their own protection.
The penalties for not carrying required workers compensation coverage in SC include stop-work orders, daily fines ranging from $10 to $100 depending on your number of employees, and personal liability for any employee injuries that occur while you are uninsured. The SC Workers’ Compensation Commission can also double fines for repeat violations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Serving Businesses Across Greenville, SC
The Morgano Agency works with business owners throughout Greenville County and the Upstate. Whether your business is downtown, along the Woodruff Road corridor, or in one of the surrounding cities, we can help you find the right coverage at the right price.
Our office is at 206B Pine Knoll Dr, Greenville, SC 29609. We are open Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Call us at (864) 609-5285.
Need Workers Comp in Greenville, SC?
We compare workers compensation rates from multiple insurance carriers and find you the best price for your industry. Call us or request a quote online.
