Class Code 5551

Workers Comp (NCCI)

Roofing — All Kinds & Drivers

All roofing work — installation, repair, tear-off — residential and commercial. Consistently one of the most expensive workers’ comp codes in construction because of fall exposure; expect rates several times those of interior trades.

🎓 Agent note There is no cheaper "roofing-lite" code — attempts to class roofers as carpenters (5645) are the #1 misclassification auditors hunt in construction books.

Operations commonly included

Shingle, tile, metal, and membrane installation
Tear-off and re-roofing
Roof repair and patching
Gutter work performed by the roofing crew
Waterproofing applied as part of roofing

Commonly classified elsewhere

Sheet-metal shop fabrication (shop codes)
Carpentry framing of the roof deck (5645/5403)
Solar panel installs — state treatment varies
Siding-only work (often carpentry or siding codes)

Real-world example

A crew that tears off and replaces asphalt shingle roofs on houses is 5551 — all of it, including the laborer who only carries bundles. Payroll for the owner’s spouse doing invoicing from a home office can qualify for clerical 8810.

⚠️ Common audit mistake Splitting "just the guys on the ground" into a cheaper code. NCCI treats the whole roofing operation as 5551 — ground crew included. Auditors also hunt for roofers hidden in 5645 carpentry.

State variation: Independent-bureau states (e.g., CA, NY, NJ, PA, DE) use their own roofing codes and rules; several states also impose roofing-specific sub-limits or payroll caps.

Rated on: Gross payroll, per $100. Overtime excess is generally deductible from the basis with proper records.

Trades that use this code

Related codes

Classification varies by state and carrier — several states use independent bureaus, and carriers file their own GL codes. Confirm your fit with a licensed agent before relying on any code. 🤝

Written by the We Insure Things team — licensed independent insurance agents. Last reviewed July 13, 2026. General references: NCCI · NAICS (Census) · your state insurance department. Codes summarized in plain English; official classification language controls.