Janitorial & Cleaning Services Workers' Comp · California
Janitorial & Cleaning Services Workers' Comp Insurance in California
Requirements, class codes, and costs for janitorial & cleaning services businesses in California — shopped across multiple carriers by a licensed agency.
Is workers' comp required for janitorial & cleaning services in California?
California requires workers' compensation for every employer with at least one employee — with no exceptions based on business size or industry (Labor Code § 3700).
Operating without coverage is a criminal misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $100,000, stop-work orders, and personal liability for every injury claim.
Coverage is available from private carriers or the State Compensation Insurance Fund (State Fund), the insurer of last resort.
Janitorial & Cleaning Services class codes
The right class code sets your rate. California classifies payroll under WCIRB — California uses its own rating bureau and class codes, not NCCI.
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 9014 | Janitorial Services by Contractors |
| 9015 | Buildings NOC — Operation by Owner or Lessee & Drivers |
| 5610 | Cleaners — Debris Removal |
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What janitorial & cleaning services workers' comp costs in California
California has some of the highest workers' comp rates in the country and classifies payroll under WCIRB codes rather than NCCI.
The biggest drivers of your janitorial & cleaning services premium:
- · Total annual payroll including part-time employees
- · Type of cleaning — standard janitorial vs. specialty (hazmat, construction cleanup)
- · Number of locations and whether employees drive between sites
- · Claims history and safety training
Try our cost calculator for a rough estimate, or request a quote for an exact rate.
Common janitorial & cleaning services claims
- ⚠ Slips and falls on wet floors being cleaned
- ⚠ Chemical burns and respiratory issues from cleaning agents
- ⚠ Back and muscle injuries from mopping, vacuuming, and lifting
- ⚠ Repetitive motion injuries from daily cleaning tasks
- ⚠ Injuries from equipment (floor buffers, pressure washers)
Frequently asked questions
Is workers' compensation required for janitorial & cleaning services in California? +
California requires workers' compensation for every employer with at least one employee — with no exceptions based on business size or industry (Labor Code § 3700). Operating without coverage is a criminal misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $100,000, stop-work orders, and personal liability for every injury claim.
How much does janitorial & cleaning services workers' comp cost in California? +
California has some of the highest workers' comp rates in the country and classifies payroll under WCIRB codes rather than NCCI. Your janitorial & cleaning services premium ultimately depends on your class code, payroll, claims history, and experience modification rate — request a quote for an exact, carrier-underwritten rate.
How much does workers' comp cost for a janitorial company? +
Janitorial services (code 9014) typically run $3-$7 per $100 of payroll. A cleaning company with $200,000 in payroll might pay $6,000-$14,000 annually. Rates vary by state and claims history. We find you the most competitive rate.
Do I need workers' comp for part-time cleaning staff? +
Yes. Part-time employees must be covered by workers' comp in most states. Premiums are based on actual payroll, so part-time employees with lower pay contribute less to your premium cost.
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