Class code 5474 is the painting contractors’ primary code, covering interior and exterior painting of buildings. What moves painters between codes — and rates — is the work itself: structural steel, bridges, and tank painting rate in separate, higher classes. Get multiple quotes within minutes.

Who falls under code 5474

Painters and helpers on building interiors and exteriors, including surface prep and wall coverings in most states. Specialty work — bridges, steel structures, tanks — belongs in higher-rated codes and shouldn’t contaminate a building painter’s rating.

The misclassification traps

• Occasional structural or tank work absorbed into 5474 — document it separately or it re-rates the whole payroll
• Drywall and taping crews sometimes split-eligible into their own class
• Subcontracted crews without certificates charged to your audit

What drives your 5474 premium

Payroll in the class, your experience mod, state rates for 5474, and carrier appetite — which varies more for this class than owners expect. Painting sits mid-pack on rates — keeping specialty exposure documented and separate is what protects the number. The fix for all of it is the same: accurate payroll split by class, clean documentation, and multiple carriers quoted side by side. See our full class code directory.

Frequently asked questions

What is workers’ comp class code 5474?

Code 5474 covers interior and exterior building painting. Structural steel, bridge, and tank painting rate under separate higher classes, so mixed-work painters need documented payroll separation to avoid the whole payroll re-rating upward at audit.

Can one business have code 5474 and other class codes?

Yes — most businesses carry multiple class codes with payroll split among them. The rules for when payroll can be divided are strict and state-specific, which is exactly where a comp-focused agency earns its keep at audit time.

Think you’re misclassified — or overpaying? We review classifications as part of every quote. Get multiple quotes within minutes.