PA Workers Comp Calculator
Pennsylvania painting contractors face fall hazards from ladders and scaffolding, chemical exposure from paints and coatings, and the physical demands of overhead work. Workers' comp costs are moderate for interior painting but higher for exterior and commercial work.
Painters face primary risks from falls (ladders, scaffolding, aerial lifts for exterior work), chemical exposure from solvent-based paints and coatings, and musculoskeletal strains from overhead application work. Exterior painting carries notably higher risk than interior.
2026 Workers' Comp Rates for Painting Contractors in Pennsylvania
Based on 2026 PCRB loss costs · LCM 1.50 · EMR 1.00 · Includes $350 expense constant + PA 2.18% assessment. Actual carrier premiums will vary.
| Class Code | Description | Loss Cost | $50K Payroll | $100K Payroll | $250K Payroll | $500K Payroll |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 485 | COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT MFG. | $0.510 | $748 | $1,139 | $2,312 | $4,266 |
* LCM 1.50 · EMR 1.00 · Expense constant $350 · PA Act 57 assessment 2.18%
Common Workers' Comp Risks in Painting Contractors
- ▸ Falls from ladders and scaffolding
- ▸ Chemical exposure from paints, solvents, and coatings
- ▸ Eye injuries from spray application
- ▸ Respiratory issues from paint fumes
- ▸ Musculoskeletal strains from overhead work
How to Reduce Your Workers' Comp Cost in Painting Contractors
Industry-specific strategies that lower your premium — not generic advice.
- Provide and require respiratory protection appropriate for solvent-based and spray applications
- Implement ladder safety training — secure three-point contact, ladder angle, and footwear
- Separate interior from exterior painting payroll if codes differ
- Keep clerical and estimating staff payroll separate (Code 953)
Calculate Your Painting Workers' Comp Premium
Enter your actual payroll, class code, LCM, and EMR for a personalized 2026 estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions — Painting Contractors Workers' Comp in PA
What class code does a painting contractor use in Pennsylvania?
Interior painting contractors typically use Code 484. Exterior painting, especially commercial, may use a different code. Bridge painting and industrial coatings work uses high-hazard codes with significantly higher loss costs. Verify your specific operations with a PA broker.