Workers' Comp Insurance for HVAC Businesses in Wisconsin

HVAC install and service (NCCI class code 5538) covers heating, ventilation, and air conditioning installation including ductwork. Service-only operations may qualify for a different class code with lower rates in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin workers' compensation market is governed by WCRB, and the average rate statewide is approximately $1.13 per $100 of payroll.

Avg HVAC rate in WI

$7.70

per $100 payroll

$100K payroll → annual

$7,705

estimated annual premium

Wisconsin bureau

WCRB

Private market

Wisconsin requirements for hvac businesses

When required: Required for employers with 3+ employees, or any employer with payroll over $500 in any quarter.

Sole proprietors: Sole proprietors are exempt unless they elect.

Owner / officer exclusion: Officers may be excluded.

HVAC class codes used in Wisconsin

5538 Sheet Metal Work — Shop and Outside, NOC

$4.62-$11.81

WI typical rate

5183 Plumbing NOC & Drivers

$4.11-$10.27

WI typical rate

Why hvac workers' comp is tricky in Wisconsin

HVAC contractors who also do plumbing or electrical work need separate class allocation. Many carriers prefer service-only HVAC accounts over install-heavy operations.

Tips for Wisconsin HVAC contractors

✓ Service vs install split matters for rating
✓ Refrigerant-handling certifications can earn schedule credits
✓ Pay-as-you-go is widely available

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HVAC workers' comp in other states

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

HVAC in California $1.45 HVAC in Texas $1.04 HVAC in Florida $1.42 HVAC in New York $1.41 HVAC in Pennsylvania $1.27 HVAC in Illinois $1.66 HVAC in Ohio $0.74 HVAC in Georgia $1.06

Other industries in Wisconsin

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

Construction in WI 9 class codes Roofing in WI 1 class code Plumbing in WI 3 class codes Electrical in WI 3 class codes Painting in WI 3 class codes Landscaping in WI 3 class codes Restaurants in WI 4 class codes Retail in WI 5 class codes

More Wisconsin workers' comp resources

→ Wisconsin workers' comp overview — full state requirements, exemptions, average rates
→ HVAC workers' comp (all states) — industry deep-dive
→ Cost calculator — estimate annual premium by class code
→ EMR calculator — experience modification rating
→ COI generator — same-day certificate of insurance
→ Workers' comp audit disputes — recover overpaid premium
→ 1099 vs. employee classification — avoid back-premium penalties