C-36 compliance in Bakersfield — CSLB data
Of the 180 C-36 contractors licensed in Bakersfield, 52% carry workers' comp and 46% claim the no-employee exemption (CSLB, September 2026).
Right now 0 are suspended for workers' comp and 6 for a bond problem.
Kern County totals: 252 C-36 licenses; 0 suspended for workers' comp, 8 for bonds.
Median time licensed: 14.4 years. 20% are under three years old; 31% have 20+ years. 10 were issued in the last 12 months.
7% are LLCs, which carry extra CSLB insurance and bond rules (below).
What CSLB requires for a C-36 license
- License bond: $25,000 on file with CSLB.
- Workers' comp: required with employees; mandatory for all active licenses from January 1, 2028 (SB 1455).
- LLC licenses: $1M+ liability insurance and a $100,000 employee/worker bond.
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Frequently asked questions
How many C-36 licenses in Bakersfield are suspended?
As of September 2026, 0 for workers' comp and 6 for bond issues, out of 180 active C-36 licenses based in Bakersfield.
How many new C-36 licenses were issued in Bakersfield last year?
10 in the 12 months to September 2026. Each needed a $25,000 bond on file before CSLB issued the license.
Do C-36 plumbers need workers' comp?
Yes if you have employees. With no employees you can currently file an exemption; beginning January 1, 2028, CSLB will require workers' comp for all active licenses under SB 1455, except joint ventures.