Workers Compensation Calculator 2026

Calculate workers comp benefits for injured employees and premium costs for employers. Instant estimates based on 2026 state data.

✓ Employee benefits ✓ Employer costs ✓ All 50 states
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👷 Employee Benefits
🏢 Employer Cost
👷 Calculate Your Benefits
Estimate the workers comp benefits you may receive after a work injury.
$
$
Weekly Benefit Amount
$667
per week (66.67% of your weekly wage)
Your weekly wage$1,000
Benefit rate66.67%
Weekly benefit$667
Estimated recovery period12 weeks
Total wage replacement$8,004
Medical bills covered$15,000
Wage replacement$8,004
Estimated total benefit$23,004

⚠️ Important to Know

Workers comp benefits are generally tax-free at the federal level. You typically cannot sue your employer while receiving benefits. Always report injuries promptly — most states have strict deadlines (30 days or less).

Estimates based on standard 66.67% benefit rate. Actual amounts vary by state and specific circumstances. Consult an attorney for serious injuries.

🏢 Calculate Employer Cost
Estimate your annual workers compensation insurance premium.
$
Estimated Annual Premium
$9,500
per year ($792/month)
Total payroll$500,000
Base rate (per $100 payroll)$1.90
Experience modifier1.00
Estimated annual premium$9,500

💡 Lower Your Premium

Implement a formal safety program and return-to-work policy to reduce claims. A lower experience modifier (EMR) can reduce premiums 20–40%. Shop multiple insurers — rates vary significantly.

Estimates based on 2026 NCCI rate data. Actual premiums require professional underwriting. Rates vary significantly by insurer and state.

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Workers Comp Rates by Industry (per $100 payroll)

IndustryAvg Rate / $100 PayrollRisk LevelExample Annual Cost (500K payroll)
Office / Clerical$0.18Very Low$900
Retail$0.88Low$4,400
Restaurant$1.42Medium$7,100
Manufacturing$2.18Medium-High$10,900
Construction$3.82High$19,100
Trucking$6.28High$31,400
Roofing$18.42Very High$92,100

What Does Workers Comp Cover?

🏥 Medical Benefits

All reasonable and necessary medical treatment for a work injury is covered — doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, medications, physical therapy, and ongoing care with no copay or deductible.

💵 Wage Replacement

If you miss work due to injury, workers comp pays approximately 66.67% of your average weekly wage. Benefits begin after a waiting period (typically 3–7 days) and are generally tax-free.

♿ Permanent Disability

If your injury causes permanent impairment, you may receive a lump-sum or ongoing payments based on the severity of disability and your state's rating system.

🎓 Vocational Rehab

If you cannot return to your previous job, workers comp may cover retraining and vocational rehabilitation to help you return to the workforce in a different capacity.

💀 Death Benefits

If a worker dies from a work-related injury or illness, dependents receive death benefits including burial expenses (typically $10,000–$15,000) and ongoing weekly payments.

🚫 Not Covered

Workers comp does not cover injuries from intoxication, self-inflicted injuries, violations of company policy, injuries sustained commuting, or non-work-related activities.

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Workers Comp FAQs

Workers comp typically pays 66.67% (two-thirds) of your average weekly wage, subject to state minimums and maximums. For example, if you earn $1,000/week, you would receive approximately $667/week in benefits. Most states cap maximum weekly benefits between $800 and $2,000+.
Workers compensation benefits are generally not taxable at the federal level under IRS rules. You do not need to report them on your federal tax return. However, if you also receive Social Security disability benefits, a portion of your workers comp may become taxable. State tax treatment varies.
Technically, employers can terminate employees for legitimate business reasons unrelated to the injury. However, retaliating against an employee for filing a workers comp claim is illegal in all states. If you believe you were fired because of your claim, contact an employment attorney immediately.
Deadlines vary by state but are strict. Most states require you to report the injury to your employer within 30 days and file a formal claim within 1–3 years. In Arkansas, you must report within 30 days and file within 2 years. Missing these deadlines can forfeit your benefits entirely.
For minor injuries with straightforward recovery, you may not need an attorney. However, for serious injuries, permanent disabilities, denied claims, or disputes over benefits, an experienced workers comp attorney can significantly increase your final settlement. Most work on contingency — no upfront cost.