Quick Answer
California uses WCIRB-assigned class codes to determine workers' comp rates. Each trade gets a numeric code (e.g., Class 5551 for roofing, Class 8810 for clerical), and each code has a published advisory rate per $100 of payroll. Class assignment errors are common and expensive — split payroll correctly and you can cut WC premium 10–30%. Call (858) 925-9555 for a free class code audit.
How Class Codes Work
The Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (WCIRB) maintains the official class plan. Carriers use these codes — though specific rates vary by carrier within WCIRB's framework. Find the official plan at wcirb.com.
Most Common Contractor Class Codes
| Code | Class | Typical 2026 rate per $100 |
|---|---|---|
| 8810 | Clerical / office staff | pricing varies by classification, payroll, operations, claims history, limits, and underwriting |
| 8742 | Outside sales | pricing varies by classification, payroll, operations, claims history, limits, and underwriting |
| 5474 | Painters (residential) | pricing varies by classification, payroll, operations, claims history, limits, and underwriting |
| 5190 | Electrical wiring | pricing varies by classification, payroll, operations, claims history, limits, and underwriting |
| 5183 | Plumbing | pricing varies by classification, payroll, operations, claims history, limits, and underwriting |
| 5537 | HVAC | pricing varies by classification, payroll, operations, claims history, limits, and underwriting |
| 5645 | Carpentry — residential framing | pricing varies by classification, payroll, operations, claims history, limits, and underwriting |
| 5403 | Carpentry — commercial | pricing varies by classification, payroll, operations, claims history, limits, and underwriting |
| 0042 | Landscape contractor | pricing varies by classification, payroll, operations, claims history, limits, and underwriting |
| 5213 | Concrete construction | pricing varies by classification, payroll, operations, claims history, limits, and underwriting |
| 6217 | Excavation & dump truck | pricing varies by classification, payroll, operations, claims history, limits, and underwriting |
| 5445 | Drywall | pricing varies by classification, payroll, operations, claims history, limits, and underwriting |
| 5551 | Roofing | pricing varies by classification, payroll, operations, claims history, limits, and underwriting |
| 5606 | Contractor — executive supervisor | pricing varies by classification, payroll, operations, claims history, limits, and underwriting |
| 9015 | Building operation (handyman) | pricing varies by classification, payroll, operations, claims history, limits, and underwriting |
2026 estimates — actual published WCIRB rates available at wcirb.com.
Splitting Payroll Correctly
If your office manager is sitting in Class 5551 because they work for a roofing company, you're overpaying. Office staff sit in 8810 at around $0.30/$100 — over 50× cheaper than 5551. Properly splitting clerical and field payroll is the easiest WC saving most contractors miss.
Want a class code audit? Call (858) 925-9555.
Common Misclassifications
- Office staff coded with field code (overpaying)
- Supervisors coded with field rate instead of 5606
- Specialty trade work coded under a general code (auditor may upcharge later)
- Multi-state operations missing California-specific codes
Related: Workers' Comp Cost · X-Mod Guide · Workers' Compensation
Don't overpay on a misclassified code. Call (858) 925-9555.