California Workers Comp Class Codes - Complete Guide

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	$0.20 – $0.50
8742	Outside sales	$0.40 – $0.80
5474	Painters (residential)	$4 – $9
5190	Electrical wiring	$2.50 – $7
5183	Plumbing	$4 – $9.50
5537	HVAC	$4.50 – $10
5645	Carpentry — residential framing	$8 – $14
5403	Carpentry — commercial	$7 – $12
0042	Landscape contractor	$7 – $12
5213	Concrete construction	$7 – $14
6217	Excavation & dump truck	$8 – $16
5445	Drywall	$6 – $11
5551	Roofing	$16 – $28
5606	Contractor — executive supervisor	$2 – $5
9015	Building operation (handyman)	$8 – $14

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.

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