Short answer
Workers' comp usually pays about 66.67% (two thirds) of your average weekly wage while a work injury keeps you completely off the job, up to a state maximum that changes each year. For example, a worker earning $1,000 a week would typically receive about $667 a week if the state cap is higher than that. Medical bills are paid separately at no cost to you. If you have a lasting impairment, you may also receive a permanent disability award, and some cases end in a lump-sum settlement. The exact amount depends on your state, your wages before the injury, and the type of benefit.
The basic formula
- Find your average weekly wage (AWW): usually your gross earnings over a set look-back period, often the 52 weeks before the injury, divided by the weeks worked. Overtime and second jobs may count depending on the state.
- Multiply by your state's rate, most often 66.67%. A few states use a different percentage or base it on take-home pay.
- Apply the state's weekly maximum and minimum. If two thirds of your wage is above the cap, you receive the cap.
- Subtract any waiting period. Most states do not pay the first 3 to 7 days unless you stay out long enough for those days to be paid back.
Related: TTD calculator · 2026 weekly rates for every state
Weekly amounts in example states
The table below uses the rates and caps in our calculator data and shows what a worker earning $1,000 a week would receive for temporary total disability. Confirm your figure against your state agency, because caps depend on the injury date.
| State | Rate | Weekly max | Weekly pay at $1,000 AWW |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 66.7% | $1,764 | $667 |
| Texas | 70% | $1,066 | $700 |
| Florida | 66.7% | $1,358 | $667 |
| New York | 66.7% | $1,222 | $667 |
| Pennsylvania | 66.7% | $1,325 | $667 |
| Illinois | 66.7% | $2,008 | $667 |
| Ohio | 72% | $1,345 | $720 |
| Georgia | 66.7% | $675 | $667 |
| Colorado | 66.7% | $1,397 | $667 |
| Mississippi | 66.7% | $637 | $637 |
The types of workers' comp payments
| Benefit | When it is paid | How much |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary total disability (TTD) | You cannot work at all while healing | About two thirds of AWW, up to the cap |
| Temporary partial disability (TPD) | You return at lower pay or hours | Usually two thirds of the difference between old and new wages |
| Permanent partial disability (PPD) | Lasting impairment after maximum medical improvement | Based on your impairment rating and the state's formula or schedule |
| Permanent total disability (PTD) | You can never return to suitable work | Ongoing weekly payments, sometimes for life |
| Medical benefits | From the first day of treatment | Approved care is paid in full with no copay |
| Death benefits | A work injury or illness is fatal | Weekly payments to dependents plus a burial allowance |
Related: TPD calculator · PPD calculator · Impairment rating payout
Worked example
Maria earns $900 a week and injures her shoulder. Her state pays 66.67% with a cap well above her figure, so her weekly check is about $600. She is off work for 12 weeks, which totals about $7,200 in wage benefits, while surgery and therapy are billed directly to the insurer.
After she reaches maximum medical improvement, her doctor assigns an impairment rating. Her state converts that rating into a set number of weeks of payments, which becomes her permanent partial disability award. If she and the insurer settle, that award, possible future medical costs, and the risk of a dispute all feed into the lump-sum figure.
Related: Estimate your settlement · Settlement chart by state
How long workers' comp pays
- TTD usually lasts until you return to work or reach maximum medical improvement. Many states also set a limit, such as 104, 400, or 500 weeks.
- PPD is paid for a set number of weeks tied to the body part or your rating.
- PTD can continue for years or for life in many states.
- Payments can stop early if you refuse suitable light duty, miss medical appointments, or settle the claim.
Related: Settlement timeline
Why your check may be lower than expected
If the numbers do not match, ask the insurer for its average weekly wage calculation in writing and compare it with your pay stubs. Many workers have an attorney review the figures; workers' comp attorney fees are usually set or capped by state law.
- Your average weekly wage left out overtime, bonuses, or a second job.
- Your wages are above the state cap.
- The waiting period has not been paid back yet.
- You returned to light duty, so you receive partial instead of total benefits.
- Social Security disability or other benefits triggered an offset.
Related: Is workers' comp taxable?
Questions about your benefits?
A licensed workers’ compensation lawyer can explain your rights, review disputed benefits, and help you assess a settlement offer. Ask about consultation costs, attorney fees, and expenses before hiring anyone. No result is guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does workers' comp pay per week?+
In most states, about 66.67% of your average weekly wage, up to a state maximum that is updated each year. A worker earning $1,000 a week typically receives about $667 a week if that falls under the cap.
Does workers' comp pay 100 percent of your wages?+
No. Wage benefits usually replace about two thirds of gross pay, up to a weekly cap. Because the benefits are generally tax-free, the check can be close to some workers' take-home pay, but it is not full wages.
How much does workers' comp pay for a permanent injury?+
Permanent disability is figured separately using your impairment rating and your state's formula or schedule of weeks. The result can range from a few thousand dollars for a minor rating to much more for serious or whole-body injuries.
When does workers' comp start paying?+
After a waiting period, usually 3 to 7 days of missed work. Many states pay back those days if you are out longer, often 14 to 21 days. The first check commonly arrives within a few weeks after the claim is accepted.
Does workers' comp pay medical bills?+
Yes. Approved, work-related medical care is paid directly by the insurer with no deductible or copay, separate from your weekly wage benefit.
Is workers' comp pay taxable?+
Generally no. Workers' compensation benefits are excluded from federal income tax under IRS rules, with a possible exception when they reduce Social Security disability benefits.
Keep learning
Related workers' comp guides and calculators.
The full claim process, step by step, from injury to settlement.
Medical care, wage loss, disability, and what is excluded.
Federal and state tax rules for checks and settlements.
Weekly benefit, PPD, and settlement in one place.
What your weekly temporary disability check should be.
Scheduled weeks and permanent impairment awards.
Light-duty benefit when you earn less while healing.
Federal employee FECA award by body part.
Lump-sum value of your full claim.
Turn a 5%, 10%, or 20% rating into dollars.
Max and min weekly rates for all 50 states.
Typical settlement ranges by injury and state.
Average settlement for fusion, rotator cuff, knee replacement, and more.
Why comp does not pay it, and when a third-party claim does.
When carriers typically make an offer.
What coverage costs by class code and payroll.
Guides, state updates, and claim strategy.
These calculations are estimates based on your inputs and general workers' compensation formulas. Actual benefits depend on state law, your specific injury, employer insurance carrier, and other factors. This is not legal advice. Consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney for guidance specific to your claim.