Question 1

What are the most common Georgia workers comp class codes for contractors in 2026?

Accepted Answer

The most common contractor class codes in Georgia in 2026 are 5403 (Carpentry NOC), 5437 (Carpentry interior trim), 5645 (Residential carpentry detached dwellings), 5651 (Residential carpentry, all detached one or two family), 5547 (Roofing residential), 5403 (Roofing commercial), 5183 (Plumbing), 5190 (Electrical wiring), 5188 (HVAC), 6217 (Excavation grading paving), 5474 (Painting), 5478 (Floor covering installation), and 5022 (Masonry). Rates per $100 payroll range from $1.80 (5183 plumbing) to over $20 (5547 residential roofing) in 2026 GA voluntary market.

Question 2

What's the difference between class code 5403 and 5645 for carpentry?

Accepted Answer

Class code 5403 (Carpentry NOC — Not Otherwise Classified) is the general construction carpentry code used for commercial carpentry, framing of buildings other than dwellings, and any carpentry work not specifically classified elsewhere. Class code 5645 (Carpentry — Construction of Residential Dwellings) applies only to carpentry work on detached one or two family dwellings. The practical difference: 5403 in Georgia 2026 runs $7.50 to $13.00 per $100 payroll, 5645 runs $10.00 to $17.50. A contractor doing both commercial and residential carpentry needs to split payroll between codes — putting it all in 5645 overpays, and putting it all in 5403 risks audit correction with penalty interest.

Question 3

Can a GA contractor have employees in multiple workers comp class codes on one policy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A single workers comp policy in Georgia can have multiple class codes when the contractor's operations include distinct types of work. Office staff go in 8810 (Clerical), outside sales in 8742, drivers under certain conditions in 7380 (Drivers), and field crews in the appropriate trade code. The payroll split must be supported by actual payroll records (W-2s, payroll registers) — not estimates. At the annual audit, the carrier verifies actual payroll against each class. Misallocated payroll gets reclassified at audit, often with penalties.

Question 4

How do I find out my exact workers comp class code in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

The authoritative source is the NCCI Scopes Manual, which describes every class code and its inclusions/exclusions in detail. You can access Scopes via the NCCI website (riskworkstation.com — paid subscription) or your independent insurance agent (who has access). The Georgia Department of Insurance does not publish class code definitions directly. Your current workers comp dec page lists your assigned codes. If you're unsure whether the code is right, a free class code verification with a licensed agent takes 15-30 minutes and can save 10-30% on premium if codes are wrong.

Question 5

How much does a wrong workers comp class code cost a Georgia contractor?

Accepted Answer

A wrong workers comp class code costs Georgia contractors 15 to 30 percent of annual premium on average. Example: a small commercial GC misclassified as 5645 ($14 per $100) instead of correct 5403 carpentry NOC ($10 per $100) on $250,000 of payroll overpays by $10,000 per year. A roofing contractor doing 70 percent commercial work (class 5403 at $14) and 30 percent residential (5547 at $24) but classified entirely as 5547 overpays by 30 to 40 percent. Class code errors are the most common premium-savings opportunity we find on contractor accounts.

Class	Description	2026 GA rate / $100	Active carriers
5403	Carpentry NOC — commercial framing, general construction carpentry not otherwise classified	$7.50 – $13.00	Builders Mutual, AmTrust, FCCI, ICW, Auto-Owners
5437	Carpentry — interior trim, cabinets installed by carpenters	$4.20 – $7.00	Builders Mutual, FCCI, AmTrust
5645	Carpentry — residential dwelling construction	$10.00 – $17.50	Builders Mutual, ICW, Markel (E&S backup)
5651	Carpentry — detached one or two family dwellings, all operations	$9.50 – $16.00	Builders Mutual, ICW, Markel

Class	Description	2026 GA rate / $100	Active carriers
5547	Roofing — residential, sloped, shingle/shake/tile	$18.00 – $30.00	Builders Mutual, Markel, AmTrust (selective)
5403	Roofing — commercial flat or low-slope	$10.50 – $18.00	Builders Mutual, ICW, AmTrust
5402	Hot tar / asphalt roofing	$15.00 – $25.00	Builders Mutual, Markel, surplus lines
5535	Sheet metal work — roofing	$8.50 – $14.00	Builders Mutual, FCCI, AmTrust

Class	Description	2026 GA rate / $100	Active carriers
5183	Plumbing NOC — installation/service	$2.50 – $4.20	Travelers, Hartford, Builders Mutual, Auto-Owners, FCCI
5188	HVAC / heating, AC, refrigeration installation	$3.10 – $5.20	Auto-Owners, Travelers, Builders Mutual, AmTrust
5190	Electrical wiring within buildings	$2.80 – $4.60	Travelers, Hartford, Auto-Owners, Cincinnati
5191	Office machine installation, service	$0.85 – $1.40	Most standard markets

Class	Description	2026 GA rate / $100	Active carriers
6217	Excavation & drivers — general	$5.80 – $9.40	Builders Mutual, ICW, AmTrust, FCCI
6306	Sewer construction	$7.40 – $12.00	Builders Mutual, ICW
5506	Street/road paving — asphalt	$6.80 – $11.00	Builders Mutual, ICW, FCCI
6229	Irrigation installation	$3.40 – $5.80	FCCI, AmTrust, Auto-Owners

Class	Description	2026 GA rate / $100	Active carriers
5474	Painting NOC	$6.20 – $10.50	Builders Mutual, AmTrust, FCCI
5491	Painting / wallpapering — interior only	$5.40 – $9.00	Builders Mutual, FCCI

Workers' comp class code lookup for Georgia contractors — 2026 rates by trade

Carpentry codes

Roofing codes

Plumbing & mechanical

Excavation, grading, paving

Painting

Tile, flooring, drywall

Concrete, masonry, steel

How a single wrong class code costs you 15-30%

How to verify your class code is right

Class	Description	2026 GA rate / $100	Active carriers
5478	Floor covering installation — carpet, vinyl, hardwood	$4.50 – $7.40	FCCI, AmTrust, Builders Mutual
5480	Tile / mosaic / terrazzo work	$5.20 – $8.60	FCCI, AmTrust, Builders Mutual
5445	Wallboard, drywall installation	$5.80 – $9.40	Builders Mutual, FCCI, AmTrust

Class	Description	2026 GA rate / $100	Active carriers
5022	Masonry NOC	$8.40 – $13.50	Builders Mutual, ICW, AmTrust
5213	Concrete construction — buildings or structures	$7.20 – $11.80	Builders Mutual, ICW, FCCI
5222	Concrete construction NOC	$7.60 – $12.40	Builders Mutual, ICW, FCCI
5040	Iron/steel erection — frame structures	$11.00 – $17.50	Builders Mutual, Markel, surplus lines
5057	Iron/steel erection NOC	$9.50 – $15.00	Builders Mutual, ICW, Markel