How Workers' Comp is Priced in California
California workers' comp premiums are calculated using the WCIRB (Workers' Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau) formula: (Annual Payroll ÷ 100) × Class Code Rate × Experience Modifier = Base Premium. The class code rate varies dramatically by trade — from $0.20 per $100 for clerical staff to pricing varies by classification, payroll, operations, claims history, limits, and underwriting per $100 for roofers.
2026 WCIRB Rates by Trade
Roofers (5551): pricing varies by classification, payroll, operations, claims history, limits, and underwriting per $100 payroll. Electricians (5190): pricing varies by classification, payroll, operations, claims history, limits, and underwriting. Plumbers (5183): pricing varies by classification, payroll, operations, claims history, limits, and underwriting. HVAC (5537): pricing varies by classification, payroll, operations, claims history, limits, and underwriting. Painters (5474): pricing varies by classification, payroll, operations, claims history, limits, and underwriting. Concrete (5213): pricing varies by classification, payroll, operations, claims history, limits, and underwriting. Landscaping (0042): pricing varies by classification, payroll, operations, claims history, limits, and underwriting. Framing (5645): pricing varies by classification, payroll, operations, claims history, limits, and underwriting.
How to Lower Your Premium
Maintain a clean claims history (improves your X-Mod below 1.0), implement a written safety program, pay-as-you-go billing to avoid large deposits, and shop multiple carriers at renewal. Call (858) 925-9555 for a competitive quote.