Workers' Compensation Insurance for Pest Control Cost | 2025
Workers' compensation insurance cost for pest control in 2025 averages $2.43 per $100 of payroll. That breaks down to approximately $91 a month per employee. This insurance supports employees injured on the job and shields the pest control company from legal risks.
What is Workers' Comp Premium for Pest Control Workers based on?
Industry Risk
The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) assigns risk levels to jobs based on injury data. These codes help calculate workers' comp premiums.
Pest control workers face moderate risks, including chemical exposure, bites, and slips during inspections. These risks place them in a higher risk category compared to office jobs. For more details, check out our guide to Workers' Comp Codes for Pest Control.
Payroll
Higher payroll means higher premiums. A pest control company with more employees will pay more in total premiums.
Claims History
A clean safety record keeps premiums lower. Claims for injuries like chemical burns or bites can raise your rates.
How are Pest Control Workers' Comp Premiums calculated?
Here’s the formula to calculate your workers' comp premium:
Payroll divided by 100 x rate = Premium
Step 1: Calculate the Payroll
Determine the total annual payroll for all pest control employees.
If annual figures are unavailable, calculate each employee's hourly rate by multiplying it by weekly hours and then multiplying that by the number of weeks worked in a year.
Step 2: Find your Rate
Find the workers' comp rate for your industry and state:
Use the national average rate for pest control, which is $2.43 per $100 of payroll.
Your existing policy will provide more specific details.
Let’s work through an example together:
Let’s say you own a pest control business in Mississippi. You’re the owner, and your team includes three exterminators and one receptionist. Your team needs to be covered by a workers’ compensation insurance for pest control policy. Let’s calculate the premium using the formula.
Here’s the formula:
Payroll divided by 100 x rate = Premium
Step 1: Calculate Payroll
We need to calculate the annual payroll for each employee type:
Each exterminator earns $21/hour. Multiply that by 40 hours per week and 52 weeks per year for an annual payroll of $43,680 each. For three exterminators, that’s $131,040.
The receptionist earns $19/hour. Multiply that by 40 hours per week and 52 weeks per year for an annual payroll of $39,520.
Step 2: Determine Rates
The exterminators fall under class code 9014, which has a rate of $2.36 in Mississippi.
The receptionist qualifies for class code 8810, which has a rate of $0.19 in Mississippi.
Step 3: Apply the Formula
Now, let’s calculate the premium for each class code:
Class code 9014 (exterminators):
$131,040 ÷ 100 x $2.36 = $3,092 annual premium
Class code 8810 (receptionist):
$39,520 ÷ 100 x $0.19 = $75 annual premium
Total annual premium: $3,167
Monthly Premium
$264 monthly premium
Annual Cost of Workers' Comp for Pest Control Technicians (9014)
Here’s an example of the workers' comp premium for a full-time pest control technician, also known as an exterminator, based on rates from various states.
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Disclaimer: All data has been derived by combining ZipRecruiter national payroll averages per industry with average rates of a national carrier partner. Figures are for illustrative purposes only and do not include taxes or additional fees.
Does it matter where I buy a Policy from?
Yes, it matters! Pest control workers face exposure to hazardous chemicals and unpredictable environments, making comprehensive coverage a must.
Here’s what to look for:
- Reputation: A provider with a history of efficient claims management is essential.
- Financial Strength: Choose a stable insurer to guarantee reliable claim payouts.
- Customer Service: Look for an insurance company with a responsive and supportive team.
- Industry Expertise: Providers experienced with pest control and extermination risks offer better-tailored policies.
What does Workers' Comp Insurance cover for Pest Control Workers?
A workers’ comp policy for pest control workers includes:
- Medical Expenses: covers treatment for illness or injury on the job
- Lost Wages: Provides partial income replacement during recovery
- Death Benefits: Financially supports families in the event of a workplace fatality
- Legal Protection: Protects your extermination business from legal claims by injured employees
Tips to lower your workers comp premium
Create a Safety Program
A comprehensive safety program can address common hazards in pest control. Include these elements:
- Provide employees with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, goggles, and respirators, to reduce pesticide exposure and protect against bites and stings.
- Train employees on proper ladder use, fall prevention, and safe handling of pesticides to minimize risks.
- Implement procedures for safe storage, handling, and disposal of pesticides to prevent exposure.
- Encourage regular breaks and ergonomic practices to reduce musculoskeletal strain from kneeling, bending, and crawling in tight spaces.
- Monitor workers for signs of pesticide exposure and provide immediate medical attention if symptoms arise.
Verify Proper Classification
Ensure that pest control technicians and clerical staff are classified accurately under the appropriate workers' comp codes. Misclassification can lead to higher premiums or compliance issues.
Ask About Discounts
Inquire with your insurance company about discounts for maintaining a low claims history and implementing a strong safety program. Sharing your safety initiatives can make your business more attractive to insurers.
Promote Safe Driving
- Hire drivers with clean Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs) to minimize accident risks.
- Conduct regular MVR checks and provide training on defensive driving for employees who transport pesticides or equipment.
By implementing these measures, pest control businesses can create a safer work environment and reduce their workers' comp expenses.
Get Started Now
See how much you could save on workers’ comp for your pest control company! Use our online calculator for a fast, tailored estimate.
Note: The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal or insurance advice. Laws and regulations regarding workers' compensation insurance are complex and vary by state and by specific circumstances. Therefore, readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified legal or insurance professional to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem they might have.
Mordechai Kamenetsky, co-founder and lead agent of Kickstand, is recognized as an expert in workers' compensation. He is passionate about helping small businesses manage risks and lower their workers' comp costs. In his articles, he educates readers and clients on the intricacies of workers' comp insurance.
Many businesses pay more than they should for workers’ compensation insurance—and they don’t even know it. By correctly classifying employees and using payroll splitting, you can potentially save thousands on your premiums, just like this North Carolina pest control and interior remodeling company did with the help of Kickstand Insurance.
