Workers Comp Class Code 5474 — Painting ContractorCalifornia
Interior and exterior painting of buildings in California — surface preparation, spray application, brush and roller work, and lead paint abatement on pre-1978 structures.
How Have California Workers Comp Rates Changed Over the Last 5 Years?
Source: WCIRB pure premium rates. Actual carrier rates may vary significantly in California.
How Much Does California Workers Comp Cost for This Class Code?
⚠️ Pre-Underwriting Estimate: This is a preliminary estimate only. Final premium can change based on underwriting results, loss history, OSHA records, and carrier approval. CA rates vary significantly by carrier.
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What Jobs Are Covered Under This California Class Code?
- ▸ Painter
- ▸ Paint sprayer
- ▸ Surface prep worker
- ▸ Drywall finisher/painter
- ▸ Industrial painter
What Are the Top Injury Risks for This California Class Code?
- ⚠ Falls from ladders and scaffolding
- ⚠ Chemical exposure from paints and solvents (VOCs)
- ⚠ Respiratory issues from spray fumes
- ⚠ Eye injuries from splatter
- ⚠ Lead paint exposure on pre-1978 California buildings
What Does a Real Workers Comp Claim Look Like for This California Class?
A painter falls from a 16-foot ladder while painting exterior trim on a Pasadena home — broken hip, surgery, and physical therapy in California can result in $140,000+ in workers comp costs. California's DWC permanent disability schedule rates hip fractures at 15–25% PD for workers over 45, adding $40,000–$80,000 in lifetime disability payments on top of medical costs.
Why Does a PEO Make Sense for California Workers Comp in This Class?
California painting contractors face a unique challenge: lead paint abatement work on pre-1978 structures requires Cal/OSHA compliance with Title 8 Section 1532.1, and many standard carriers exclude or surcharge lead abatement work. PEO group programs include lead abatement coverage within the standard painting classification, eliminating the need for separate specialty coverage that can cost 2–3x the base rate.
CA Rate Context
At $8.83/100, California painting rates are elevated compared to the national NCCI average of $5.50/100 for the same code. WCIRB's pure premium reflects the fall frequency of California painting work (ladders and scaffolding account for 60% of all painting injuries in the state) and the chemical exposure risk from California's strict VOC regulations, which require painters to use higher-solvent formulations for certain applications.