About the Workers Comp Calculator
This workers comp calculator estimates the wage-replacement benefits you would receive after a work injury. Most US states pay temporary total disability (TTD) at about two-thirds of your average weekly wage, limited by a state maximum and minimum, and pay temporary partial disability (TPD) at two-thirds of the difference when you can return to lighter, lower-paid work.
Enter your average weekly wage, your state’s benefit rate and weekly cap, and how long you expect to be off work. The calculator applies the unpaid waiting period — and pays it back retroactively if your disability lasts long enough, as most states do — then shows the weekly check, total benefits, and the income gap you will need to cover.
Rates, caps, waiting periods and retroactive rules are set by each state and change every year, so enter the figures for your state and injury date. This tool covers wage-loss benefits only; medical bills are paid separately by the insurer, and permanent impairment awards follow different schedules.
With the default inputs, the weekly benefit is $666.70. Change any value above to recalculate instantly.
How to use the workers comp calculator
- 1Work out your average weekly wage from pay stubs covering the last year.
- 2Choose total disability (off work) or partial disability (reduced earnings).
- 3Enter your state’s benefit rate, maximum and minimum weekly amounts.
- 4Enter expected weeks off, plus the waiting period and retroactive rule for your state.
- 5Review the weekly benefit, total payout and the income gap to plan your budget.
Formula and method
Temporary total disability pays the benefit rate R (usually 66⅔%) times your average weekly wage, but never more than the state maximum. If that is below the state minimum, the minimum applies — unless your actual wage is lower still, in which case most states pay your full wage. Temporary partial disability pays R times the drop in weekly earnings.
Benefits are not paid for the first few days of disability (the waiting period). If total time off exceeds the retroactive threshold, those days are paid back, so paid days equal all days off; otherwise paid days equal days off minus the waiting period. The income gap is wages lost minus benefits received.
- AWW
- Average weekly wage before the injury
- R
- State benefit rate (e.g. 66.67%)
- Max / Min
- State maximum and minimum weekly benefit
- Current
- Weekly earnings while on light duty (TPD)
Worked examples
$1,000/week worker off for 12 weeks
Two-thirds of $1,000 is $666.70 a week, under the $1,200 cap. Because 84 days off exceeds the 14-day retroactive threshold, the waiting week is repaid, so all 12 weeks are paid: $8,000.40 against $12,000 of lost wages.
High earner hitting the state maximum
Two-thirds of $2,400 would be $1,600, but the state cap limits the check to $1,200 — only half of pre-injury income. Over 26 weeks that is $31,200 of benefits against $62,400 of lost wages.
Light duty for two weeks at reduced pay
Earnings fell by $400 a week, so partial disability pays 66.67% of $400 = $266.68. Fourteen days does not exceed the 14-day threshold, so the 7-day waiting period stays unpaid and only one week is paid. With $500 of wages plus benefits, the worker receives about 85% of prior income.
Frequently asked questions
How much does workers’ comp pay per week?+
In most states, temporary total disability pays about two-thirds (66⅔%) of your average weekly wage, up to a state maximum that is usually tied to the statewide average wage. Low earners may receive a state minimum or their full wage.
Is workers’ compensation taxable?+
Workers’ compensation benefits paid under a workers’ compensation act are generally exempt from federal income tax, as explained in IRS Publication 525. The exception can be amounts that offset Social Security disability benefits.
What is the waiting period for workers’ comp?+
Most states do not pay wage-loss benefits for the first 3 to 7 days of disability. If you are off longer than a set period — often 14 or 21 days — the waiting days are paid retroactively. Medical care is covered from day one.
How is my average weekly wage calculated?+
Usually by dividing your gross earnings, including overtime and sometimes bonuses or concurrent jobs, over the 52 weeks (or 13 weeks in some states) before the injury by the number of weeks worked. Your state’s rules decide what counts.
How long can I receive workers’ comp?+
Temporary benefits last until you return to work or reach maximum medical improvement, subject to state limits that often range from about two years to over ten years. Permanent disability awards are then calculated under separate schedules.
Results are general estimates and not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction — consult a qualified attorney.