Workers' Comp Insurance for Cleaning / Janitorial Businesses in New York

Commercial janitorial services (NCCI 9014) and residential house cleaning (9170) face moderate rates driven primarily by lifting injuries, slip-and-falls, and chemical exposure. Window cleaning above ground level has its own (higher) code in New York. The New York workers' compensation market is governed by NYCIRB, and the average rate statewide is approximately $1.41 per $100 of payroll.

New York requirements for cleaning / janitorial businesses

When required: Required for any employer with at least one employee, including part-time and family members.

Sole proprietors: Sole proprietors are exempt unless they elect; partnerships exempt for partners only.

Owner / officer exclusion: Sole corporate officers and one- or two-person corps may exclude; LLC members may exclude.

Cleaning / Janitorial class codes used in New York

Why cleaning / janitorial workers' comp is tricky in New York

Cleaning services that include window washing above ground level, biohazard cleanup, or carpet/floor restoration all have separate higher-rated codes that should be properly split.

Tips for New York cleaning businesses

• ✓ Stay under 1 story for window cleaning to keep base rate
• ✓ Document MSDS and chemical training
• ✓ Split residential (9170) and commercial (9014) revenue if applicable

Cleaning / Janitorial workers' comp in other states

Rates and requirements for cleaning businesses vary widely by state. Compare New York to other major markets:

Other industries in New York

New York workers' comp rates and requirements for other common industries: