Do you need workers' comp?
Popular: Texas · Florida · California · New York · all states →
49 of 51 jurisdictions verified directly against official agency sources · methodology →
Most common answer: from your first employee
In 36 states, hiring anyone — even part-time — triggers the requirement:
The exceptions most sites get wrong
Texas & South Dakota: no mandate
The only two states without a general requirement. Employers may elect coverage — going without carries big lawsuit exposure.
Monopolistic states: North Dakota, Ohio, Washington, Wyoming
No private policies — you buy from the state fund itself. National insurance quotes don't apply here.
Payroll triggers: KS & WI
Not employee-count based — Kansas ($20k/yr payroll) and Wisconsin ($500/quarter) trigger on wages.
Industry-specific rules
🏗 Construction & Contractors
Stricter thresholds — most states: 1st employee. CA: zero-employee licensed contractors.
🚜 Agriculture & Farms
The most exempted industry: 15 states require nothing, 14 require full coverage.
🏠 Household Employers
Nanny, caregiver, housekeeper — hour and wage thresholds by state. Homeowner's insurance does not cover this.