Class Code 9155
Theaters – Motion Picture
Class Code 9155 covers motion picture theaters — the businesses that operate projection booths, auditoriums, box offices and concessions for film exhibition. The California approved pure premium rate for 9155 is $0.825 per $100 of payroll. Understanding this classification helps theater owners manage payroll classification, safety exposure, and workers' compensation costs accurately.
What Class Code 9155 Covers
This classification applies to businesses whose primary operation is exhibiting motion pictures in fixed-location auditoriums or drive‑ins, including projection and sound operation, ticketing, concessions, front‑of‑house customer service, and routine building maintenance. It covers staff who operate digital/film projectors and servers, change light bulbs and lamps in projection booths, maintain audio equipment, run popcorn and hot‑oil concession equipment, and perform cleaning, trash removal, and restroom maintenance. The code includes ushering, crowd control and seating assistance, box office and ticket sales, and routine HVAC and electrical maintenance performed by in‑house staff. It does not typically cover independent film production crews, large set construction, or offsite location shooting — those operations use different class codes.
Who It Applies To
- Commercial movie theater chains and single‑screen cinemas
- Drive‑in theaters exhibiting motion pictures
- Projectionists and audiovisual technicians who operate projectors/servers
- Concession stand attendants and cooks operating popcorn and fryer equipment
- Ushers, box office clerks, house managers, and in‑house custodial staff
Common Job Duties
- Operating and maintaining digital servers, DCP players, and projectors
- Replacing projector lamps, changing filters, and working in projection booths
- Preparing food and operating popcorn machines, fryers, and coffee equipment
- Taking tickets, managing queues, and directing seating during shows
- Cleaning auditoriums, restrooms and lobby areas; emptying trash and restocking supplies
- Performing routine HVAC, lighting and minor electrical maintenance
- Managing crowd egress, performing basic security checks and handling disruptive patrons
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $0.825 Rate
The pure premium rate of $0.825 per $100 of payroll represents the WCIRB's expected loss cost for covered claims before insurer expenses and adjustments. Employers calculate base premium by dividing payroll by 100 and multiplying by the pure premium, then insurers add expense loads, policy fees and apply the employer's experience modification, retrospective adjustments or schedule ratings to determine the final premium. Final cost is affected by payroll accuracy, employee classification, injury history (mod), deductible or retrospective plans, and how aggressively the employer manages claims and loss control.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Cal/OSHA Title 8 general industry rules apply to theaters: employers must maintain an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), provide hazard communication for cleaning chemicals, and follow electrical, ladder and machine guarding standards in projection and concession areas. Employers should implement emergency action and fire evacuation plans consistent with assembly occupancy requirements and local fire codes, provide PPE for cleaning and maintenance tasks, and address noise exposure and heat stress where applicable (hot projection booths or kitchen areas).
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 9155
A PEO like Key HR helps theater employers by ensuring correct payroll classification for 9155, delivering targeted loss control services (onsite safety surveys, popcorn‑machine and projector lamp safety checks, slip‑resistant flooring recommendations), and administering workers' comp claims and return‑to‑work programs to limit indemnity costs. Key HR also provides IIPP templates, employee safety training, payroll audit support, and access to pooled buying power that can lower insurance expense loadings.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Are concession workers and projectionists both covered under Class Code 9155?
Yes. Class Code 9155 generally covers front‑of‑house (box office, ushers, concessions) and projection/AV staff when those duties are part of a motion picture theater's operations. Separate work such as outsourced construction, off‑site production, or specialized HVAC contracting would use different codes.
What steps reduce workers' comp costs for a movie theater?
Implement a written IIPP, train employees on hot‑oil and equipment safety, use slip‑resistant mats and fast spill cleanup procedures, lock out electrical equipment during repairs, create a light‑bulb replacement protocol using ladders and fall protection, and maintain documented return‑to‑work light‑duty options to reduce lost‑time claims and experience‑mod penalties.
Do older theaters with film reels have different hazards than modern digital cinemas?
Yes. Older film‑based projection involves heavy film reels, greater manual handling, and different chemical and fire risks; modern digital projection reduces film handling but still poses high‑heat lamp, electrical and server cooling hazards. Both require ventilation in projection booths, safe lifting practices, and controls for heat and electrical risks; asbestos or lead issues in historic theaters require separate abatement compliance.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 9155
- Classification
- Theaters – Motion Picture
- Pure Premium Rate
- $0.825 / $100 payroll
- Effective Date
- September 1, 2026
- Source
- WCIRB Approved Filing
Manage Workers' Comp Through a PEO
Key HR provides pay-as-you-go workers' comp for California employers — no large deposits, no audits, better rates.
Get a Quoteor call (800) 922-4133Ready to Simplify Workers' Comp for Class Code 9155?
Key HR provides California employers with pay-as-you-go workers' comp, HR compliance support, and payroll — all through one PEO partnership.