How North Carolina Construction Businesses Can Cut Workers’ Comp Costs with a PEO

If you run a roofing, framing, or general contracting business in North Carolina, you already know workers’ compensation is one of your biggest expenses.

Here’s the reality:

• In North Carolina, the average workers’ comp premium in the assigned-risk pool is $1,614 per year (NCRB Report).

• Nationwide, small businesses average $540 per year, but construction companies pay much higher due to risk.

• In 2021–22, the NC Industrial Commission processed 57,616 workers’ comp claims (LawyerNC).

That means if you’re in construction, you’re likely paying 3–5x more than the typical small business just to keep your team covered.

The Good News: NC Rates Are Dropping

North Carolina has actually become more competitive:

• NC’s comp rates are now 9% lower than the U.S. average, ranking 31st nationally (WorkersCompensationShop).

• In 2019, the state saw a 17.2% drop in workers’ comp rates because of improved safety and fewer claims (GroupMgmt).

The takeaway? The safer your business looks on paper, the less you’ll pay.

How a PEO Helps Construction Companies

1. Lower Workers’ Comp Rates
PEOs pool contractors together, which means your roofing crew isn’t judged as a small “high-risk” company anymore—you get access to the same rates as larger, safer firms.

2. Stronger Safety Programs
With thousands of claims in NC every year, regulators reward businesses that prove they’re lowering risk. A PEO gives you:

• OSHA-compliant training

• Safety manuals tailored to construction

• Jobsite audits and risk management

3. Simplified Payroll & Compliance
Instead of juggling payroll, tax filings, and workers’ comp audits yourself, a PEO bundles it all. That means more time running your crews and less time buried in paperwork.

Example Savings Scenario

For illustration:

• Without a PEO: A 10-person roofing company in NC might pay $50,000+ annually in workers’ comp premiums.

• With a PEO: By joining a larger pool, that same company could reduce costs by 10–20%, saving $5,000–$10,000/year—while also getting HR and compliance support.

(This is a scenario based on typical NC comp rates, not a guaranteed outcome. Actual savings will vary by company.)

Bottom Line

If you’re in North Carolina construction, you’re already paying higher premiums than most industries. But with a PEO, you can:

✅ Cut workers’ comp costs
✅ Reduce risk with safety training
✅ Stay compliant without the headache

That means more money back into your business—whether it’s hiring another crew, upgrading equipment, or taking home more profit.