Workers' Comp Rates — Class 9014

Workers' Comp for Janitorial in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas has the lowest class code 9014 base rate of any state in this batch (~$1.06/$100), making it one of the most cost-competitive states for janitorial WC — but employers must note the AWCC's unusually narrow 7-day waiting period before benefits vest.

Competitive marketStatute: Ark. Code Ann. §11-9-101 et seq.; employer insurance obligation at §11-9-404; penalty at §11-9-406; benefit rates at §11-9-501Effective: Current; 2026 rates (NCCI filing, effective date per Arkansas Insurance Department approval)Last reviewed: Q2 2026
State
Arkansas
Governing Statute
Ark. Code Ann. §11-9-101 et seq.; employer insurance obligation at §11-9-404; penalty at §11-9-406; benefit rates at §11-9-501
NCCI Class Code 9014 — Janitorial Services by Contractors, No Window Cleaning Above Ground Level & Drivers
Enforcement Agency
Arkansas Workers' Compensation Commission (AWCC), 324 Spring St, Little Rock, AR 72201
Civil Penalty
Failure to insure: fine up to $10,000 payable to Death & PTD Trust Fund or Class D felony (Ark. Code Ann. §11-9-406(a)); civil penalty up to $1,000/day of violation (§11-9-406(b)(5)); court injunction prohibiting business operations until coverage secured

How workers' comp works for janitorial in Arkansas

Arkansas is an NCCI state with a competitive private insurance market. The Arkansas Workers' Compensation Commission (AWCC) administers claims, sets benefit rates annually, and enforces employer compliance. There is no state insurance fund; all coverage must be placed with licensed private carriers or through the assigned-risk pool (AIGA/NCCI). Arkansas's 9014 rate is among the lowest in the region, reflecting relatively lower medical costs and a streamlined claims environment. Employers with three or more workers must carry coverage — a lower threshold than Alabama (five) but higher than states like Alaska (one).

Class code and rate (2026)

  • Code 9014 — Janitorial Services by Contractors, No Window Cleaning Above Ground Level & Drivers. Arkansas is an NCCI loss-cost state. Indicative market rate from national carriers: approximately $1.06/$100 payroll — the lowest in this 10-state batch, reflecting Arkansas's favorable loss history for janitorial.
  • Code 9170 — Above-ground window cleaning. Substantially higher; requires separate payroll tracking.

Indemnity benefits (Arkansas 2026)

  • Max weekly TTD: $953 (effective 1/1/2026; based on maximum average weekly wage of $1,120.68 per AWCC announcement; Ark. Code Ann. §11-9-501).
  • Max weekly PPD: $715 (75% of TTD maximum; effective 1/1/2026; §11-9-501(d)).
  • Min weekly TTD/PPD: $20 (§11-9-501(b)).
  • Waiting period: 7 calendar days; first 7 days paid retroactively if disability exceeds 14 days (AWCC rules; note: shorter retroactive trigger than many states).
  • Compensation rate: 66.67% of average weekly wage, capped at statutory maximum.

Coverage thresholds and exemptions

  • Mandatory for employers with 3 or more employees (Ark. Code Ann. §11-9-102).
  • Farm laborers, domestic employees, and certain casual workers are exempt.
  • Independent contractor test: Arkansas uses a multi-factor "economic reality" approach; cleaning workers directed by a janitorial company generally qualify as employees regardless of written contracts.

Failure-to-insure penalty

Under Ark. Code Ann. §11-9-406(a), an employer who fails to insure may be fined up to $10,000 payable to the Death and Permanent Total Disability Trust Fund, or be guilty of a Class D felony. Separately, the AWCC may assess a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per day of continued noncompliance (§11-9-406(b)(5)). The AWCC may also petition a circuit court for an injunction prohibiting the employer from operating until coverage is obtained.

Cost drivers specific to janitorial in Arkansas

  • Top injuries (BLS NAICS 561720): slips/falls, back strains, chemical exposure — consistent with national profile but lower average claim severity than coastal states.
  • Arkansas's competitive 9014 rate (~$1.06/$100) is roughly half the national average for the class code, creating significant cost advantages vs. high-rate states like Connecticut or Alabama.
  • Bid-math note: load WC at approximately 1.1% of gross wages in Arkansas bids. Experience modification can add or save ±25%.

Primary sources

Sources

This page is informational only. It does not constitute legal advice, tax advice, or a professional compliance determination. Laws vary by state and locality, change over time, and apply differently depending on your specific facts and circumstances. Before taking any action with legal or business consequences, consult a licensed attorney or CPA qualified in your jurisdiction.