Workers Compensation Calculator
Calculate workers comp weekly benefits from pre-injury wages.
Returns indemnity payment using two-thirds of average weekly wage per standard state formulas.
Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides wage replacement and medical benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a direct result of their job. In exchange, employees generally give up the right to sue their employer for negligence.
Standard weekly benefit formula:
Weekly Benefit = Average Weekly Wage (AWW) × Benefit Rate
Benefit rate: Most states use two-thirds (66.67%) of the worker’s average weekly wage, capped at the state maximum.
Average Weekly Wage (AWW) calculation:
AWW = Total Wages in Prior 52 Weeks / 52
Some states use the prior 13 weeks or a different window — check your state’s specific rules.
Benefit types by disability classification:
| Type | Description | Typical Rate | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Total Disability (TTD) | Cannot work at all temporarily | 66.67% of AWW | Until return to work or MMI |
| Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) | Can work reduced hours or lighter duty | 66.67% of wage difference | Until recovery |
| Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) | Permanent loss of function to a body part | 66.67% of AWW | Scheduled weeks per injury |
| Permanent Total Disability (PTD) | Permanently unable to work | 66.67% of AWW | Lifetime (most states) |
State minimums and maximums:
- States set maximum weekly benefits: typically 100% to 150% of the state’s average weekly wage
- States also set minimum weekly benefits: typically 20% to 33% of the state average weekly wage
- High earners may receive less than 66.67% of their actual wage due to the cap
Worked example: A warehouse worker in Ohio earns $800/week average over the prior 52 weeks. Injury: back strain, temporary total disability, 8 weeks off work.
- AWW = $800
- Weekly benefit = $800 × 0.6667 = $533.36/week
- Ohio’s maximum TTD benefit (2025) ≈ $1,200/week: not triggered here
- 8-week total benefit = $4,266.88
Medical benefits — separate from wage replacement: Workers’ comp covers all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to the injury:
- Doctor visits, specialist referrals
- Surgery and hospitalization
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Prescription medications
- Medical devices (braces, crutches, wheelchairs)
- All at no cost to the employee: no deductibles, no copays
Death benefits: If a worker dies from a job-related injury, most states provide:
- Burial expenses (typically $5,000–$15,000)
- Ongoing wage replacement to surviving spouse and dependent children (often 66.67% of AWW)
Disclaimer: Workers’ compensation laws vary significantly by state, and benefit calculations can be complex. This calculator provides an estimate for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a workers’ compensation attorney for your specific situation.
How we build and check this calculator
This calculator runs entirely in your browser, so the numbers you enter stay on your device. The math behind it is written by hand and tested against worked examples and standard references before the page goes live.
SuperGlobalCalculator is independently built and maintained. See how we build and verify our calculators.