What does NOC mean in workers’ comp?

The short answer

NOC means “not otherwise classified.” When you see it at the end of a class code description, such as Carpentry NOC or Clerical Office Employees NOC, it marks a general class: it is used for work of that type when no more specific class describes it.

Our class code directory lists 1,864 classifications. 176 of them carry NOC in their wording (some spell it N.O.C.). Each one links to its own page below.

How a class is chosen

A workers’ comp class follows what the business actually does, not the job title on a business card. The carrier or the rating bureau makes the final call, using the classification rules published for your state. A NOC class is the right fit only when the operation really is that kind of work and a more specific class in the same field does not describe it.

• Read the full wording. Two classes in the same trade can differ by one phrase, such as “all operations” or “& drivers”.
• Check your state. Some states publish their own versions of a code; see the state class code lists.
• Keep your records. Job descriptions and payroll by role are what support a class at audit time.

Does NOC change the price?

The NOC label only describes how general the class is. It says nothing about price: rates are set per class, per state and per carrier. We do not publish rates on this page.

All 176 NOC class codes

Wording is the NCCI description from our directory, shown in normal capitalization. Select a code to see its page, state codes and related classes.

Questions people ask

What does NOC stand for in workers' comp?

NOC stands for "not otherwise classified". In a class code description it marks a general class, used for operations of that type when no more specific class describes them. It is sometimes written N.O.C.

Does NOC mean a higher premium?

No. The label only says the class is a general one. Rates are set per class, per state and per carrier, so the only way to compare is to look at the actual rate for the class you are assigned.

Can I choose a NOC class code myself?

The class follows what the business actually does, and your carrier or the rating bureau confirms it. If you think the wrong class was assigned, ask the carrier to review it, and keep job descriptions and payroll records to support your case.

Why does the same trade show up with and without NOC?

A trade can have a specific class for some operations and a NOC class for the rest. For example, the list has Carpentry NOC and Masonry NOC next to more specific classes in the same field. Read the full wording of each class before choosing.