Workers' Comp Class Codes Explained: How to Find Yours and Why It Matters
Class codes set your workers' comp rate. Learn how they work, see common codes like 8810 and 5551, and avoid costly misclassification. Get quotes at E-COMP.
Workers’ compensation class codes group similar job duties and workplace risks so insurers can calculate a rate for each $100 of payroll. The right codes help keep your premium aligned with the work employees actually do; errors can mean overpaying or owing additional premium after an audit. Classification systems and rules vary by state.
How workers’ comp class codes affect your premium
A basic class-code premium estimate is: (payroll assigned to a class code ÷ 100) × that code’s rate. For the same payroll, office work generally has a lower class rate than higher-hazard work such as roofing. The class rate is only one part of a policy’s final cost; experience modification, carrier pricing, state assessments, minimum premiums, and other factors can also apply. See our workers’ comp cost guide for more factors that affect rates.
Who assigns workers’ comp class codes?
Many states use classifications maintained by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI). Other states operate independent systems, and the same work may have a different code or rule depending on where employees work. Rates are also filed by state, so a code number alone does not tell you what coverage will cost.
Common workers’ comp class code examples
These are examples commonly used under the NCCI system—not a universal lookup list. Confirm the classification and wording for your state and the employee’s actual duties.
| Example code | Common operation |
|---|---|
| 8810 | Clerical office employees |
| 8742 | Outside salespersons |
| 9079 | Restaurants |
| 0042 | Landscape gardening |
| 9014 | Janitorial services |
| 5551 | Roofing |
| 5403 | Carpentry |
| 5190 | Electrical wiring |
| 5183 | Plumbing |
Governing class and standard exceptions
Many businesses have a governing class that describes their primary operations. Some qualifying office or outside-sales employees may be assigned separate “standard exception” codes, but eligibility depends on their duties, work area, records, and state rules. An employee who also works in a warehouse or on a job site generally cannot be classified as clerical just because some of their time is spent at a desk.
For a deeper guide to 8810, 8742, and how class-code rules affect audits, read our workers’ comp class-code guide.
When payroll can be split across class codes
In construction and some other operations, payroll may sometimes be divided when an employee performs work in more than one classification. Detailed payroll records must support the hours and pay assigned to each type of work. Without that documentation, an auditor may assign all of the payroll to the highest-rated applicable code. See our guide to workers’ comp for construction companies for related coverage and compliance considerations.
Why accurate class codes matter
If a code is higher-rated than the work requires, a business may pay more premium than necessary. If a code is too low, an audit can reclassify payroll and add premium for the policy period. Review classifications when job duties or business operations change, and keep job descriptions, payroll records, and any time-split documentation current.
How E-COMP helps businesses confirm class codes
You do not need to know your class codes before starting a quote. E-COMP asks about your business and employees’ duties, helps map those details to classifications for your state, and compares available quotes from carriers such as The Hartford, Travelers, GUARD, Markel, CopperPoint, Employers Insurance Group, and AmTrust. Carrier availability and eligibility depend on state, class codes, and underwriting. Compare workers’ comp quotes or speak with an E-COMP advisor if a classification needs review.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find my workers' comp class code?
Check the declarations page of your current workers' comp policy, which lists each class code and the payroll assigned to it. If you're buying coverage for the first time, the quoting process assigns codes based on your business description and employee duties.
Can one business have more than one class code?
Yes. Most businesses have one governing code, plus standard exception codes such as clerical or outside sales when they qualify. Some construction businesses can split payroll across trades with proper records. Classification rules vary by state.
What happens if my class code is wrong?
If a code is too high, you can ask your carrier to correct it and may receive a premium refund. If it is too low, a premium audit may reclassify payroll and bill the difference.