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Workers' Comp Insurance for Painting Businesses in Washington

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 Washington. The Washington workers' compensation market is governed by L&I (state fund) — a monopolistic state fund (no private market), and the average rate statewide is approximately $1.16 per $100 of payroll.

Avg Painting rate in WA
$7.38
per $100 payroll
$100K payroll → annual
$7,382
estimated annual premium
Washington bureau
L&I
Monopolistic

Washington requirements for painting businesses

When required: All employers must obtain coverage through Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — monopolistic state.

Sole proprietors: Sole proprietors are exempt unless they elect to enroll with L&I.

Owner / officer exclusion: Officers and LLC members may be excluded.

⚠️ Washington is a monopolistic state

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

Painting class codes used in Washington

5474 Painting NOC & Shop Operations
$5.27-$13.71
WA typical rate
5491 Paperhanging
$3.69-$8.96
WA typical rate
9501 Painting — Shop Only
$3.69-$8.96
WA typical rate

Why painting workers' comp is tricky in Washington

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

Tips for Washington 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 Washington 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 Ohio $0.74 Painting in Georgia $1.06

Other industries in Washington

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

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

More Washington workers' comp resources