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.