Workers' Comp Code for Tile & Marble Installation: A Guide

What are Class Codes and why do they matter?

Class codes are like barcodes to easily reference information on different jobs and industries. Each code is a simple four-digit number that is assigned to a specific job role. It also includes a job description and a risk rate.

The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) manages this information and updates the risk ratings once a year based on recent claims data.

Class codes for workers' compensation insurance for tile and marble contractors are important because they ensure tile, marble, and stone installation businesses pay the appropriate amount for workers' comp and are properly covered.

How are class codes determined?

Class codes for tile installation are based on injury data from the construction industry. Tile and marble installers face physical risks such as lifting heavy materials and using sharp tools, which typically results in a higher risk rating.

If the number of reported injuries rises, the risk rate goes up, which could lead to increased premiums. The risk rate could decrease if fewer injuries are reported, lowering premiums.

Improving safety practices and using better equipment can help lower the risk rating.

Common Class Codes for Tile and Marble Installation

Class Code 5348

For tile, marble, and stone installation, Class Code 5348 is the most common. This code applies to businesses involved in installing ceramic tile, stone, and similar materials in residential or commercial spaces.

State-Specific Class Codes for Tile and Marble Installation

Tile installation businesses may be subject to different class codes, depending on the state they operate in. Here are the examples for Pennsylvania and Delaware:

Class Code 0668 - Pennsylvania and Delaware

In Pennsylvania and Delaware, tile installation businesses typically fall under Class Code 0668, which applies to ceramic tile and stone installation, including marble and mosaic work.

Non-Industry Class Codes for Tile and Marble Installation

In a tile installation business, correctly classifying your employees is essential for ensuring you're not overpaying on workers' compensation insurance. While tile installers are classified under industry-specific codes based on their work type, other employees, such as clerical staff and estimators, should be classified under non-industry class codes to reduce premiums.

Here’s how to properly classify these non-industry roles:

Clerical Workers - Class Code 8810:

Clerical workers like receptionists, office managers, and bookkeepers should always be classified under Class Code 8810, which is specifically for low-risk office roles. These positions involve minimal physical risk, so they are categorized under non-industry codes, allowing for much lower workers' comp premiums compared to industry-specific codes.

Estimators - Class Code 8720:

Estimators, even though they might spend time in the office, are typically required to visit job sites and assess the scope of the work. As a result, they are classified under Class Code 8720, a code for employees who perform physical assessments or fieldwork. This class code reflects the risk associated with estimating on-site, which is more prone to accidents than office work.

By correctly using these non-industry class codes, your business can reduce its overall workers' comp premiums without sacrificing coverage for your employees.

How do Tile and Marble Installation Class Codes affect insurance rates?

Workers' comp insurance premiums are largely determined by the class code assigned to your business, which reflects the risk associated with the type of work your employees do. Jobs with higher risks, like physical labor and exposure to hazards, will carry higher premiums.

For tile and marble installation, the average cost for workers’ comp insurance is 3.81 per $100 of payroll. Since tile installation involves manual labor, handling heavy materials, and working with sharp tools, the risk is higher, and premiums tend to reflect this. Rates from selected states are shown in the chart below.

Tile and Marble Installation (Class Code 5348) Rates per State – 2025

These rates serve as the starting point for determining your workers' comp premiums. The actual premium for your business will depend on the unique risks associated with your operations.

Insurance companies use an experience modifier (ExMod) to adjust the premiums based on the claims history of your business. A lower ExMod (e.g., 0.95) leads to lower premiums, while a higher ExMod (above 1) means higher premiums due to a history of more claims.

By focusing on reducing accidents on the job and maintaining a strong safety record, tile installation businesses can lower their ExMod and reduce costs.

Curious about how these rates translate into costs for your business? Check out our Guide to Workers' Compensation Insurance for Tile Contractors Cost for more details.

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How to classify your Tile or Marble Installation Business correctly?

Classifying your workers correctly ensures that you don’t pay more than necessary for workers’ comp while still covering your employees in case of accidents or injuries.

Why is this important? Class codes assign a specific risk level to each type of worker. If you misclassify a clerical employee as a tile installer, you’ll end up paying much higher premiums for coverage that’s not necessary.

Here’s how you can make sure your tile installation workers are properly classified:

Work with your insurance agent

Your insurance agent can help you correctly classify your employees to avoid overpaying. With their help, you’ll get the right coverage at the best possible rate.

Review the roles of each worker

As roles evolve within your business, the class codes should be updated. For example, a worker who moves from a desk job to a field-based tile installation job should be reclassified.

Stay up to date

Class codes and risk rates can change, so it’s crucial to stay informed. Regularly check if your workers’ comp rates and codes need adjusting to reflect any changes in your business.

Find the right Workers' Comp Coverage for Business

Need help determining the right class code for your business? Start an instant quote or call us at 886-338-8823. Kickstand Insurance specializes in workers' comp for tile, marble, and stone contractors and can help ensure you're getting the right coverage at the right price.