Wyoming Workers Compensation Guide

Workers Compensation Requirements in Wyoming

Wyoming is a monopolistic workers' comp state — all employers must purchase coverage from Wyoming Workers' Compensation (WC), administered by the Department of Workforce Services. Private insurance is not available. Wyoming allows large employers meeting financial requirements to self-insure. Wyoming's energy, mining, and construction industries generate significant workers' comp claims.

Workers Comp Rates in Wyoming

The average rate of approximately $1.78 per $100 of payroll is a statewide blended average — actual rates vary significantly by job classification.

For example, an employer with $1 million in payroll at the average rate of $1.78 per $100 would pay approximately $17,800 annually before experience modification adjustments.

Average Workers Comp Rates by City in Wyoming

What Makes Wyoming Unique

Wyoming's monopolistic system means all workers' comp coverage is provided by the state. Wyoming's energy sector — oil and gas production in the Powder River Basin — generates high-hazard workers' comp claims. Wyoming's remote geography means that when serious injuries occur, medical transport costs and treatment complexity can be significant.

Who Sets Workers’ Comp Rates in Wyoming

Wyoming is one of four states with a monopolistic state fund: unless an employer qualifies to self-insure, workers’ comp must be bought from the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Workers’ Compensation Division. There is no shopping between carriers — the fund sets the rates. Because state-fund policies don’t include employer’s liability coverage, Wyoming employers usually add a stop-gap endorsement to their general liability policy, and employees working in other states need separate coverage there. See our North Dakota guide for how stop-gap works.

Workers Comp Benefits in Wyoming

Wyoming provides temporary total disability at 80% of after-tax average weekly wages — among the more generous replacement rates nationally. Permanent total disability provides ongoing wage replacement.

Employee Rights in Wyoming

Wyoming workers receive benefits directly from the state workers' comp program. Disputes are reviewed through the Office of Administrative Hearings with access to district courts.

How to Reduce Workers Comp Costs in Wyoming

Wyoming employers cannot shop for workers' comp but can reduce costs through safety performance. The state's experience modification system rewards strong safety records. Oil and gas employers in Gillette and Casper should invest heavily in safety training — the high injury rates in those industries create significant cost exposure. Self-insurance is an option for large qualifying employers.

• Wyoming operates a monopolistic state workers' comp fund, so pricing isn't competitive between private carriers here — your main lever for controlling cost is your experience modification rate (EMR), not shopping insurers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is workers' comp insurance required in Wyoming?

Yes. Wyoming requires workers' compensation coverage for employers with 1 or more employees. Wyoming is one of four monopolistic states (with North Dakota, Ohio, and Washington) — private insurance is not available, and employers must buy coverage directly from the state.

How much does workers' comp cost in Wyoming?

The statewide blended average in Wyoming is approximately $1.78 per $100 of payroll, though actual rates vary significantly by job classification and claims history — high-risk classifications like construction and roofing pay substantially more than clerical or retail classifications.

Who regulates workers' comp in Wyoming?

Wyoming Workers' Compensation, administered by the Department of Workforce Services oversees Wyoming's workers' compensation system, handling claims administration, compliance, and dispute resolution between employees, employers, and insurers.

What happens if a Wyoming employer doesn't carry required workers' comp coverage?

Operating without required coverage exposes a Wyoming employer to civil penalties, potential personal liability for injury costs, and loss of the exclusive remedy protection that normally shields compliant employers from direct lawsuits over workplace injuries.

Can I buy workers’ comp from a private insurer in Wyoming?

No. Wyoming is a monopolistic state fund state; unless you qualify to self-insure, coverage comes from the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Workers' Compensation Division. Employers usually add stop-gap employer’s liability coverage to their general liability policy.

The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects estimated industry averages and state requirements as of 2026. Workers compensation laws, rates, and requirements change frequently and vary significantly by employer size, industry, and job classification. Rate estimates shown are blended averages and do not represent actual quotes for any specific employer. Always consult a licensed workers' compensation insurance professional and your state's workers' compensation regulatory agency for current, employer-specific information.