Workers' Comp for Plumbing Contractors
Plumbing contractors (NCCI 5183) typically face moderate workers' comp rates — much lower than roofing or framing, but higher than office-only operations. Lifting injuries and slip-and-fall claims drive most losses. Service plumbers, drain cleaning, and new-construction plumbing all use the same primary code but may have different sub-classifications.
Common class codes for plumbing contractors
Why Plumbing workers' comp is tricky
Plumbers who do their own gas line work or HVAC ductwork may be misclassified — these activities have separate codes. Apprentices, clerical staff, and outside salespeople should be coded separately to keep your effective rate low.
Tips to lower your plumbing premium
- ✓ Separate clerical (8810) and outside sales (8742) staff to lower blended rate
- ✓ Document service vs new-construction split for proper class allocation
- ✓ Pay-as-you-go is widely available for plumbers and helps with seasonality
- ✓ Consider Master Plumber endorsement for owner exclusion in your state
Get a Plumbing workers' comp quote in 60 seconds
We work with carriers that actively want plumbing contractors — including specialty markets for hard-to-place accounts. Quote takes one minute.
Get My Plumbing Quote →Plumbing workers' comp by state
Rates, exemption rules, and rating bureaus for plumbing contractors vary widely. Pick your state for plumbing-specific requirements and average rates:
More plumbing workers' comp resources
- → Full NCCI class code directory — search all class codes by industry
- → Cost calculator — estimate plumbing premium by payroll
- → EMR calculator — experience mod impact on premium
- → COI generator — same-day certificate of insurance
- → Audit dispute guide — recover overpaid premium from misclassification
- → Pay-as-you-go workers' comp — align premium with actual payroll