Colorado Workers' Comp Benefits Calculator 2026
Injured at work in Colorado? You may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. Colorado pays 66.7% of your average weekly wage as a weekly benefit, up to a maximum of $1,314/week. Use our free calculator below to estimate your weekly workers' comp benefit in 60 seconds — no email required.
Colorado has a 2-year statute of limitations and requires all employers to carry workers' comp insurance. Benefits are 66.67% of AWW.
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Your gross wages for the 13 weeks before injury, divided by 13. Include overtime, bonuses, and tips if they were regular.
Colorado Workers' Comp Key Facts — 2026
| Maximum Weekly Benefit | $1,314/week |
| Minimum Weekly Benefit | $263/week |
| Benefit Rate | 66.7% of AWW |
| Waiting Period | 3 days |
| Retroactive After | 14 days |
| Filing Deadline | 730 days from injury |
| Max Duration (TTD) | 104 weeks |
| State Average Weekly Wage | $1,314/week |
| WC Board Phone | 1-303-318-8700 |
Source: Colorado Workers' Compensation Board. Rates effective 2026.
Workers' Compensation in Colorado: Key Numbers for 2026
State Avg Weekly Wage
$1,314
Max Weekly Benefit
$1,314
Benefit Rate
66.7%
Max Duration
104w
Common Workplace Injuries in Colorado — Average Compensation
Based on Colorado's average weekly wage of $1,314 and the state's 66.7% benefit rate, here are estimated compensation ranges for the most common workplace injuries:
| Injury Type | Avg Medical Cost | Avg Lost Wages | Typical Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back / Spine Injury | $18,157 | $26,281 | $44,438 |
| Shoulder Injury | $14,812 | $19,273 | $34,085 |
| Knee Injury | $12,901 | $15,769 | $28,670 |
| Neck / Whiplash | $10,990 | $14,017 | $25,007 |
| Carpal Tunnel / Wrist | $6,689 | $9,636 | $16,325 |
| Fracture (Arm/Leg) | $8,840 | $12,265 | $21,105 |
| Head / Concussion | $16,485 | $21,025 | $37,510 |
Estimates based on Colorado 2026 workers' comp benefit rate (66.7% of AWW, capped at $1,314/week) and NCCI injury cost data. Actual compensation varies based on injury severity, impairment rating, and medical documentation.
How Much is Workers' Comp in Colorado?
In Colorado, workers' comp pays 66.7% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $1,314/week. The minimum weekly benefit is $263/week.Colorado has a 3-day waiting period before benefits begin, and TTD benefits can last up to 104 weeks.
Colorado Workers' Compensation Rates 2026
Workers' comp insurance rates in Colorado vary by industry and job classification. Here are estimated rates per $100 of payroll:
| Job Category | Rate per $100 Payroll |
|---|---|
| Office / Clerical | $0.25 |
| Restaurant / Food Service | $1.50 |
| Healthcare / Nursing | $1.75 |
| Manufacturing | $2.50 |
| Trucking / Delivery | $4.50 |
| Construction (General) | $6.50 |
| Roofing | $12.00 |
Rates are estimates and vary by insurer, experience modifier, and specific classification code. Contact your insurance carrier for exact quotes.
How Much Does Workers Comp Cost Employers in Colorado?
The cost of workers compensation insurance in Colorado depends on three factors: your industry class code, your total annual payroll, and your experience modification rate. Here's what typical Colorado businesses pay annually for $100,000 in payroll:
| Industry | Annual Cost per $100K Payroll |
|---|---|
| Office / Clerical | $420 |
| Retail / Sales | $1,020 |
| Restaurant / Food Service | $1,790 |
| Healthcare | $2,090 |
| Manufacturing | $3,340 |
| Warehouse / Logistics | $4,600 |
| Construction (General) | $6,570 |
| Roofing (Highest Class) | $14,930 |
*Per-employee estimate based on Colorado's average weekly wage of $1,314. Your actual cost varies by carrier, experience modifier, and specific class code.
Need an exact quote? Our workers comp insurance cost calculator estimates your premium based on state, industry, payroll, employee count, and experience modifier.
How Workers' Comp Benefits Are Calculated in Colorado
In Colorado, workers' comp benefits are 66.67% of your average weekly wage. The maximum weekly benefit is $1,314 and the minimum is $263. If you earn $1,200 per week, your benefit would be $1,200 x 66.67% = $800 per week. This is below the Colorado maximum, so you would receive the full $800 per week.
Colorado has a 3-day waiting period. If your disability lasts longer than 14 days, those first 3 days are paid retroactively. Temporary total disability benefits can continue for up to 104 weeks.
Colorado also has a generous 2-year statute of limitations for filing claims, giving you plenty of time to act. All workers' comp benefits in Colorado are tax-free. The state also provides permanent impairment benefits and maintenance medical care after you reach maximum medical improvement.
Colorado Workers' Comp Laws You Must Know
- •All employers in Colorado are required to carry workers' comp insurance, with no minimum employee count.
- •Colorado has a 2-year statute of limitations for filing workers' comp claims.
- •In Colorado, the employer may select your authorized treating physician, though you can request a change.
- •Mental health claims are covered in Colorado if they are caused by work-related events.
- •Benefits are 66.67% of your AWW, capped at $1,314 per week.
- •Colorado provides permanent partial disability benefits based on medical impairment ratings.
- •Employers in Colorado must post information about workers' comp coverage in the workplace.
How to File a Workers' Comp Claim in Colorado
- 1Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Colorado requires written notice within 4 business days for the best protection of your rights.
- 2Your employer may direct you to an authorized treating physician. Seek medical care right away and explain that your injury is work-related.
- 3Your employer must file a report with their insurance carrier and the Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation.
- 4The insurance carrier will investigate and accept or deny the claim. Benefits start after the 3-day waiting period if approved.
- 5If denied, you can file a petition with the Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation at 1-303-318-8700 to dispute the decision.
Need help filing? Visit the Colorado Workers' Comp Board or call 1-303-318-8700 for assistance.
Special Rules in Colorado
- ⚠All employers must carry coverage
- ⚠2-year statute of limitations
- ⚠Employer may select authorized treating physician
- ⚠Mental health claims covered if work-related
Average Workers' Comp Settlement in Colorado
Settlement amounts in Colorado vary widely based on injury severity, disability rating, and medical costs. Workers with minor sprains typically settle for $10,000–$30,000, while those with herniated discs or surgical injuries can receive $50,000–$200,000 or more. Use our settlement calculator to estimate your specific case.
Related Resources
Settlement Calculator
Estimate your workers' comp settlement amount
Average Settlement Amounts
See average settlements by injury type and state
How Benefits Are Calculated
Step-by-step formula with examples
Claim Denied?
What to do if your workers' comp is denied
Last updated: April 2026. Data sourced from the Colorado Workers' Compensation Board.
Find a Workers' Comp Attorney in Colorado
Need Legal Help With Your Colorado Claim?
If your claim was denied, your employer is disputing your injury, or you need help negotiating a fair settlement, a workers' comp attorney can help. Most offer free consultations and work on contingency — you pay nothing unless you win.
External link to Avvo attorney directory. WorkCompCalc does not endorse or recommend specific attorneys. Always research and interview attorneys before hiring.
Colorado Workers' Comp FAQ
Colorado has a 2-year statute of limitations and requires all employers to carry workers' comp insurance. Benefits are 66.67% of AWW.
Workers' Comp in Nearby States
Legal Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates only and is not legal advice. Workers' compensation laws and benefit amounts in Colorado change frequently. Consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney in Colorado for advice about your specific situation. Actual benefits depend on your employer's insurance carrier, the nature of your injury, and state law. Data sourced from the Colorado Workers' Compensation Board. Last updated: January 2026.
Medical disclaimer: Information on this page is for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.