The two electrical codes
| Code | Description | Hourly wage | Rate per $100 | On $60,000 payroll |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5190 | Electrical wiring, lower-wage employees | Under $40/hr | $3.729 | $2,237 |
| 5140 | Electrical wiring, higher-wage employees | $40/hr or more | $2.109 | $1,265 |
Note: Advisory pure premium rates per $100 of payroll effective 9/1/2026, before each carrier's own rating. The lower code applies when the employee's regular hourly wage is under the threshold, the higher-wage code at or above it.
How the wage split works
- The code follows each employee's regular hourly wage, so one company can have payroll in both 5190 and 5140
- Overtime premiums are not part of the regular hourly wage
- Payroll for an apprentice and a journeyman is classified by each person's own wage
- The wage threshold is set by WCIRB and can change, so confirm it on each renewal
Other codes an electrical contractor can end up with
- Clerical office staff are rated separately from field workers, at a much lower rate, if they truly stay in the office
- Executive supervisors and outside sales are classified separately
- Work outside electrical wiring, such as solar installation or low-voltage cabling, can fall under a different class, so describe your work mix to the carrier
Who is an electrician in California
CSLB lists 26,543 active C-10 Electrical licenses in the September 2026 license file. 50% are filed exempt (no employees) and 48% show a workers' comp policy on file. The exempt group will need a policy from January 1, 2028, when every active license must carry workers' comp, except joint ventures with no employees.
Get an electrician workers' comp quote
Asena checks which markets take your class code and payroll. Call (858) 925-9555 or request a review online — only your name, phone and email are required; we collect project details by phone. Asena Capital Insurance Services, CA License #6008596.
Frequently asked questions
What workers' comp code do electricians use in California?
WCIRB class 5190 when the hourly wage is under $40 and 5140 at $40 or more.
How much is workers' comp for an electrician?
The advisory pure premium rates effective 9/1/2026 are $3.729 (5190) and $2.109 (5140) per $100 of payroll. The final premium depends on the carrier, your experience and your payroll.
Are apprentices rated the same as journeymen?
Each employee is classified by his or her own regular hourly wage, so an apprentice under the threshold is rated in 5190 and a higher-paid journeyman in 5140.
Does overtime count toward the wage threshold?
No. The threshold looks at the regular hourly wage, not overtime premium pay.