Roofing compared with other trades
| Trade | Class codes | Wage threshold | Rate per $100 (low / high wage) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roofing | 5552 / 5553 | $33 | $20.827 / $12.112 |
| Carpentry | 5403 / 5432 | $46 | $12.075 / $5.321 |
| Masonry | 5027 / 5028 | $37 | $9.332 / $4.928 |
| Painting | 5474 / 5482 | $36 | $8.509 / $4.778 |
| Drywall | 5446 / 5447 | $45 | $6.233 / $3.249 |
| Plumbing | 5183 / 5187 | $35 | $5.716 / $2.732 |
| Electrical | 5190 / 5140 | $40 | $3.729 / $2.109 |
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.
Why the roofing rate is highest
- Work at height: roof falls are the most severe and costly workers' comp injuries in construction
- Heat and exertion on hot roofs
- Rates are set from the losses that roofing employers have reported, so a trade with large claims has a high rate
- The lower-wage code is much more expensive than the higher-wage code, because lower-paid crews are usually the newer and more exposed workers
Roofers cannot file an exemption
C-39 Roofing is one of the classifications that must carry workers' comp now, with or without employees. CSLB lists 5,339 active C-39 licenses in its September 2026 file, and 4,903 (92%) show a workers' comp policy on file. A roofer with no policy will have the license suspended.
What can lower a roofer's workers' comp cost
- Classify payroll correctly: employees at or above the $33 wage threshold belong in 5553, which is about 42% cheaper than 5552 per dollar of payroll
- Keep a clean claims history. An experience modification above or below 1.00 raises or lowers the premium directly
- Written fall-protection and safety programs, and proof you follow them
- Keep office staff and truly non-roofing payroll in their own classes
- Shop the policy with a broker who knows which markets write roofing in California, because many carriers decline it
Get a roofing workers' comp quote
Asena checks which markets write roofing workers' comp for your payroll and years in business. 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 class code do roofers use in California?
WCIRB class 5552 when the regular hourly wage is under $33 and 5553 at $33 or more.
Why is roofing workers' comp so expensive?
Falls and heat injuries on roofs produce large claims, and rates are based on loss history. The 9/1/2026 advisory pure premium rate for 5552 is $20.827 per $100 of payroll.
Can a roofer with no employees skip workers' comp?
No. C-39 Roofing licenses cannot be filed exempt and must carry workers' comp now.
How much is 5553 compared with 5552?
The higher-wage code 5553 is $12.112 per $100 of payroll, about 42% less than 5552 at $20.827.