Workers compensation premium calculator

Estimate your yearly workers compensation premium in any Australian state or territory from your wages and premium rate, and see it against the scheme average where one is published.

Figures checked 5 November 2026. Free to use, no sign-in.

Your business

WorkSafe Victoria publishes an industry rate for each industry classification for 2026–27; your premium is based on your rateable remuneration and that rate, with other adjustments for some employers.

$

As your scheme defines wages.

Optional, for a cost per worker.

Premium rate

%

Starts at the scheme’s published 2026–27 average. Find your industry rate with WorkSafe Victoria.

Your estimate

Estimated yearly premium

$15,300

$850,000 of wages at 1.8%.

A month
$1,275
Per worker
$1,275
At the scheme average
$15,300
Wages
$850,000.00
Premium rate
1.8%
Estimated premium
$15,300.00
  • WorkSafe Victoria’s average premium rate for 2026–27 is 1.8% of rateable remuneration.
  • You are using the scheme average. Your industry rate may be much higher or lower.
  • Claims-experience adjustments, minimum premiums, discounts, levies and GST or duty where they apply are not included.

An estimate, not a quote. Your scheme or insurer sets the premium.

How this works

Premium = wages for the policy year × your premium rate. The calculator also shows the monthly equivalent and a cost per worker.

  • Your rate: take it from your renewal notice, your insurer, or your scheme’s industry rate table. Where the scheme publishes a 2026–27 average (Victoria, Queensland, South Australia), the rate starts at that average so you have a figure to compare against.
  • Scheme average: shown beside your estimate for those three schemes. It is an average across all industries, not a quote.

Not included: claims-experience adjustments, minimum premiums, discounts for early payment, levies, GST and stamp duty where they apply, and wages exempt in your scheme.

Legal basis

Checked against these sources on 5 November 2026. Spotted a figure that looks wrong? Tell us.

Questions

How is a workers compensation premium worked out?

Broadly, the wages you pay in the policy year multiplied by the premium rate for your industry, with adjustments some schemes make for claims history, business size, discounts or levies. Your scheme or insurer sets the rate.

What is the average premium rate in 2026–27?

WorkSafe Victoria’s average is 1.8% of rateable remuneration, WorkCover Queensland’s is $1.343 per $100 of wages, and ReturnToWorkSA’s is 1.85%. In NSW, icare has held 2025–26 industry rates for 2026–27. In WA, Tasmania, the ACT and the NT, private insurers set premiums.

Should I use the average rate?

Only as a first guess. Industry rates vary widely between lower-risk and higher-risk work, so your own rate can be far from the average. Use the rate on your renewal notice or your scheme’s industry rate table.

What counts as wages?

Each scheme defines it, and the definitions differ, for example on super, contractors, directors and allowances. Use your scheme’s definition when you estimate the year’s wages.

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Questions the calculator can’t answer?

Workfloor answers pay, award, leave and termination questions for your team, with the Fair Work Act section or award clause behind each answer.

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