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Workers' Comp Insurance for Painting Businesses in Ohio

Painting contractors (NCCI 5474) face moderate-to-high rates due to fall, ladder, and chemical exposure. Interior-only painters may qualify for slightly lower rates than exterior or commercial painters working at heights in Ohio. The Ohio workers' compensation market is governed by BWC (state fund) — a monopolistic state fund (no private market), and the average rate statewide is approximately $0.74 per $100 of payroll.

Avg Painting rate in OH
$4.71
per $100 payroll
$100K payroll → annual
$4,709
estimated annual premium
Ohio bureau
BWC
Monopolistic

Ohio requirements for painting businesses

When required: All employers must obtain coverage through Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) — monopolistic state.

Sole proprietors: Sole proprietors are exempt unless they elect to enroll with BWC.

Owner / officer exclusion: Officers and LLC members may opt out.

⚠️ Ohio is a monopolistic state

All Ohio workers' comp coverage must be purchased through the state fund (BWC (state fund)). Private workers' comp insurance is not available in Ohio, but we can help with employer's liability ("stop-gap") coverage that complements the state fund.

Painting class codes used in Ohio

5474 Painting NOC & Shop Operations
$3.36-$8.75
OH typical rate
5491 Paperhanging
$2.35-$5.72
OH typical rate
9501 Painting — Shop Only
$2.35-$5.72
OH typical rate

Why painting workers' comp is tricky in Ohio

Carriers scrutinize painters who work above 3 stories, perform sandblasting, or apply industrial coatings — these activities can trigger different (higher) codes.

Tips for Ohio painting contractors

  • ✓ Stay under 3 stories for the standard code; higher work re-classes
  • ✓ Lead-paint certification is required for older buildings — RRP rule
  • ✓ Spray vs roll equipment can affect underwriter appetite

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Painting workers' comp in other states

Rates and requirements for painting contractors vary widely by state. Compare Ohio to other major markets:

Painting in California $1.45 Painting in Texas $1.04 Painting in Florida $1.42 Painting in New York $1.41 Painting in Pennsylvania $1.27 Painting in Illinois $1.66 Painting in Georgia $1.06 Painting in North Carolina $0.84

Other industries in Ohio

Ohio workers' comp rates and requirements for other common industries:

Construction in OH 9 class codes Roofing in OH 1 class code Plumbing in OH 3 class codes Electrical in OH 3 class codes HVAC in OH 2 class codes Landscaping in OH 3 class codes Restaurants in OH 4 class codes Retail in OH 5 class codes

More Ohio workers' comp resources