Dual Wage Thresholds in CA Updated September 1

Seems like the bad timing….again.  I know for a lot of you this has been a tough year and a lot of scrambling to keep your guys busy.  The state has made significant increases to the dual wage thresholds that go into effect September 1.

The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) approved increases of $2 to $5 per hour, reflecting statewide wage inflation and updated actuarial loss data.

These thresholds apply at policy inception or renewal on or after September 1, 2026—meaning most contractors will feel the change at renewal rather than on the exact date. Carpentry and steel framing see the largest jumps, rising from $41 to $46/hr, while electrical moves from $36 to $40/hr. Other trades such as plumbing, concrete, wallboard, glaziers, painting, sheet metal, roofing, and masonry also increase within the $2–$4 range.

Click here for a full list of all the codes affected.

 I wanted you to have this information as soon as we learned about the changes.   Remember this only applies to you once your renewal occurs after September 1.  In other words, if you are an August renewal, you will have almost a year before you are affected.

Sorry for bringing the bad news, but you need to know this as it impacts your business.

Don