Class code 5551 — roofing, all kinds — carries some of the highest rates in the entire workers’ comp system, for the obvious reason: falls from height are the most serious common injury in construction. It’s also one of the hardest classes to place, which makes roofing comp an independent-agency specialty.

Who falls under 5551

Roofing contractors of every type: new roofs and tear-offs, residential and commercial, shingle, tile, metal, and flat/membrane work — including the yard and driver payroll of roofing businesses in many states.

Common misclassification traps

Two directions of trouble: general contractors and remodelers whose crews do ‘a little roofing’ can find that payroll rated at 5551 rather than their cheaper carpentry class; and roofers using uninsured 1099 labor find those subs charged to their audit at 5551’s painful rate. Sub certificate discipline matters more at this rate than any other.

Rate context

5551 commonly prices in the double digits per $100 of payroll — in some states well past $20 — making it one of the most expensive classes on the books. At those rates, a clean experience mod and accurate payroll splits are worth thousands per employee per year. See our guide to how premiums are calculated for the full mechanics.

Related codes

5645/5651 (residential carpentry) for framing without roofing; 5474 (painting); 5022 (masonry). If your operation mixes trades, the payroll split — supported by records — determines whether you pay roofing rates on everything.

Class code 5551 FAQs

What does class code 5551 cover?

All types of roofing work — installation, repair, tear-off, residential and commercial, in every roofing material — one of the highest-rated common classes in the comp system.

What’s the biggest misclassification risk with 5551?

Uninsured subcontractor labor charged back at 5551’s rate, and mixed-trade contractors having carpentry payroll swept into 5551 when records don’t separate the work. Certificates and documented payroll splits are the defense.

What does 5551 cost per $100 of payroll?

Commonly double digits per $100 of payroll, past $20 in some states. At these rates, mod management and payroll accuracy generate the largest dollar savings of any class.

Can one business use multiple class codes?

Usually, yes — most businesses have an office/clerical component (8810) alongside their governing class, and payroll can often be split when records support it. Done correctly, splitting payroll across codes is one of the most reliable premium reductions available. Done sloppily, it’s an audit dispute.

Not sure your operation is classified correctly? Misclassification runs both directions — some businesses overpay for years, others build audit bombs. Have us review your class codes, or browse the full class code guide.