Workers' Comp Insurance for Cleaning / Janitorial Businesses in North Carolina

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 North Carolina. The North Carolina workers' compensation market is governed by NCRB, and the average rate statewide is approximately $0.84 per $100 of payroll.

North Carolina requirements for cleaning / janitorial businesses

When required: Required for any employer with 3 or more employees (any combination of full-time, part-time, seasonal).

Sole proprietors: Sole proprietors are exempt unless they elect.

Owner / officer exclusion: Officers may exclude themselves by election.

Cleaning / Janitorial class codes used in North Carolina

Why cleaning / janitorial workers' comp is tricky in North Carolina

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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina to other major markets:

Other industries in North Carolina

North Carolina workers' comp rates and requirements for other common industries: