Roofer Workers Comp: Highest-Risk Class 5551 Explained

Roofing has the highest workers comp insurance rates of any common occupation — class code 5551 at roughly $12.50 per $100 of payroll. That's 25x the rate for office workers. Falls from heights are the #1 cause of death in construction, and roofers account for a disproportionate share. If you work in roofing and got hurt, your injury claims are typically high-value and deserve serious attention.

Adam Noah - Workers' Comp Research Analyst

Adam Noah · Workers' Comp Research Analyst

Last updated: April 2026 · Reviewed for accuracy

About the author

Class Code

5551

WC Insurance Rate

$12.50 per $100 of payroll

Risk Level

Extreme (highest class code)

Example annual premium for roofer with $50,000 annual payroll: $6,250 per employee. Varies by state, carrier, and experience modifier.

Calculate Your Roofer Workers Comp Benefits

Enter your state and weekly wage to see your estimated workers comp weekly benefit and total projected payout.

Step 1 of 2Your Situation

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Tell us about your state and wages to calculate your benefits.

Optional — helps calculate your waiting period start date.

$/week

Your gross wages for the 13 weeks before injury, divided by 13. Include overtime, bonuses, and tips if they were regular.

Most Common Roofer Workplace Injuries

These are the injury patterns we see most frequently in roofer workers comp claims, ranked by frequency. Click any injury type to see the dedicated settlement calculator for that specific injury.

Injury TypeAvg Settlement
Falls from Height$250,000
Back Injury (Lifting Materials)$105,000
Knee (Kneeling, Landing)$72,000
Shoulder (Overhead Work)$65,000
Head / TBI (Falls, Struck-by)$180,000
Heat Illness / Heat Stroke$35,000

Settlement averages from National Safety Council and state workers comp board data. Your specific settlement depends on severity, state, wage, and case specifics.

Key Facts for Roofers

  • •Class code 5551 is the highest-rated common class — $10-15 per $100 payroll vs office at $0.25.
  • •OSHA requires fall protection above 6 feet on roofing jobs.
  • •Non-English-speaking roofers are at 2x the injury rate of English speakers.
  • •A 30-foot fall averages $250,000 in settlement value, not counting third-party claims.
  • •Day laborer roofers are often uninsured — if the contractor didn't carry coverage, the state workers comp uninsured fund usually pays.

Injured On the Job? Get a Free Case Review

A workers' comp attorney can review your claim, negotiate a higher settlement, and protect your job. Most work on contingency — no fee unless you win.

Find a Workers' Comp Attorney

Frequently Asked Questions — Roofer

Why is roofing workers comp so expensive?▾

Roofing has the highest injury and fatality rate in construction. Falls from height, heat illness, and struck-by injuries produce frequent six- and seven-figure claims. Insurance rates at $10-15 per $100 of payroll reflect the actual claim frequency.

What's the average workers comp settlement for a roofer fall?▾

Fall-from-height settlements for roofers average $250,000 when multiple injuries are involved. Single-injury falls from lower heights settle $75,000-$150,000. Permanent disability cases from severe falls often exceed $500,000. Third-party claims against scaffolding manufacturers or property owners can add more.

Am I covered if I'm a day laborer or cash roofer?▾

Yes — regardless of how you're paid or classified. If the contractor didn't carry workers comp, your state's uninsured employers fund typically covers your medical bills and lost wages, then pursues the contractor for repayment. You still have full rights.

What if my boss tells me to go back on the roof after an injury?▾

That's illegal. You cannot be forced to work outside your medical restrictions. Document the pressure in writing. Retaliation for filing a workers comp claim is illegal in every state, with additional damages available above your workers comp recovery.

Workers Comp for Other Occupations

Construction Worker

Code 5403

Nurse (RN, LPN, CNA)

Code 8829

Warehouse Worker

Code 8292

Truck Driver

Code 7228 / 7229

Restaurant Worker

Code 9082 / 9083

Manufacturing Worker

Code 2710 / 3632 / various

Retail Worker

Code 8017 / 8018

Healthcare Worker

Code 8832 / 8833

Office Worker

Code 8810

Electrician

Code 5190

Delivery Driver

Code 7380

Amazon Worker

Code 7380 / varies

Firefighter

Code 7710

Police Officer

Code 7720

Teacher

Code 8868

Gig Worker (Uber, DoorDash, Instacart)

Code varies

Disclaimer: Workers comp insurance rates are approximate national averages and vary significantly by state, insurer, and employer experience modifier. Settlement ranges are estimates based on NSC and state data. This is not legal advice. Consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney for your specific situation. Last updated: April 2026.