Workers’ Comp Construction Dual-Wage Threshold Increase

Nearly all the workers’ compensation dual-wage class codes for the construction sector have increased as of Sept. 1, 2022. Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara approved the recommendation by the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) of California to increase the wage thresholds for high-wage workers.

What are Dual-Wage Thresholds

Dual-wage thresholds divide high and low-wage workers into separate workers’ compensation classifications in various construction industry sectors. These different pay rates for workers have proven to result in different workers’ comp injury rates and costs. Statistically, higher-paid workers in a high-wage classification are less likely to suffer an on-the-job injury, which in turn means that their employers will pay a lower rate. The low-wage/high workplace injury rate tier of employee, on the other hand, the dual-wage classification means higher workers’ comp premium rates. Below are the new thresholds, that take effect for all policies starting on or after Sept. 1, 2022.

2022 (as of Sept. 1) Per-Hour Wage Thresholds

5027/5028

Masonry: $32/hour, up from $28

 

5183(1)/5187(1) |  5183(2)/5187(2) | 5183(3)/5187(3) 

Plumbing | Refrigeration equipment | Heating or air conditioning equipment: $31/hour, up from $28

 

5185/5186

Auto sprinkler installation: $32/hour, up from $29

 

5190/5140

Electrical wiring: $34/hour, up from $32

 

5201(1)/5205(1) | 5201(2)/5205(2) 

Concrete or cement work (pouring, finishing, patios, sidewalks, driveways, etc.) | Concrete or cement work (pouring, finishing of concrete floor slabs): $32/hour, up from $28

 

5403/5432

Carpentry: $39/hour, up from $35

 

5446/5447

Wallboard installation: $38/hour, up from $36

 

5467/5470

Glaziers: $36/hour, up from $33

 

5474(1)/5482(1) | 5474(2)/5482(2) | 5474(3)/5482(3)

Painting, wallpaper install | Waterproofing | Painting, water, oil or gasoline storage tanks: $31/hour, up from $28

 

5484/5485

Plastering, stucco work: $36/hour, up from $32

 

5538(1)/5542(1) |5538(2)/5542(2)

Sheet metal work | Heating, AC ductwork: $29/hour, up from $27

 

5552/5553

Roofing: $29/hour, up from $27

 

5632/5633

Steel framing: $39/hour, up from $35

 

6218(1)/6220(1) | 6218(2)/6220(2) | 6218(3)/6220(3)

Excavation | Grading land | Land leveling: $39/hour, up from $34

 

6307/6308

Sewer construction: $39/hour, up from $34

 

6315(1)/6316(1) | 6315(2)/6316(2)

Water mains, connections construction | Gas mains, connections construction: $39/hour, up from $34