Workers Compensation for Russian-Speaking Construction Crews (NJ/NY/PA)
•SafeBridge Insurance Group
WC Rates by Construction Trade (2026)
| Trade | Rate per $100 payroll |
|---|---|
| Drywall | $5-$8 |
| Framing | $7-$12 |
| Roofing | $10-$15+ |
| Painting | $4-$7 |
| Electrical | $3-$6 |
| Plumbing | $4-$7 |
| HVAC | $5-$8 |
| Concrete/Masonry | $8-$12 |
Sample: 6-person Drywall Crew
- Average wage: $28/hour × 40 hours × 50 weeks = $56,000/year/worker
- Total payroll: 6 × $56,000 = $336,000
- Rate $6 per $100 = $20,160/year WC premium
Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) Advantages
- No upfront annual premium
- Adjusts with actual payroll
- No audit surprise at year-end
Best Carriers for Small Crews
- Pie Insurance — PAYGO native
- biBERK — Berkshire Hathaway, online
- Employers — specialty
- Hourly.io — PAYGO + payroll integration
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Workers Comp rate for drywall in NJ?+
Drywall WC rate in NJ for 2026 is $5-$8 per $100 of payroll. A 6-person crew with $336K total payroll pays approximately $20,160/year in WC premium at the $6/$100 rate.
What is Pay-As-You-Go Workers Comp?+
PAYGO WC adjusts premium monthly based on actual payroll instead of charging large upfront annual premium. Best carriers: Pie Insurance, biBERK, Employers, Hourly.io. Slightly higher per-dollar cost (~5%) but better cashflow.