Iowa Workers' Comp Benefits Calculator 2026
Injured at work in Iowa? You may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. Iowa pays 80.0% of your average weekly wage as a weekly benefit, up to a maximum of $1,870/week. Use our free calculator below to estimate your weekly workers' comp benefit in 60 seconds — no email required.
Iowa has one of the highest benefit rates at 80% of spendable earnings. The maximum weekly benefit is also among the highest in the nation.
Your Situation
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Optional — helps calculate your waiting period start date.
Your gross wages for the 13 weeks before injury, divided by 13. Include overtime, bonuses, and tips if they were regular.
Iowa Workers' Comp Key Facts — 2026
| Maximum Weekly Benefit | $1,870/week |
| Minimum Weekly Benefit | $374/week |
| Benefit Rate | 80.0% 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 | $1,090/week |
| WC Board Phone | 1-515-281-5387 |
Source: Iowa Workers' Compensation Board. Rates effective 2026.
Workers' Compensation in Iowa: Key Numbers for 2026
State Avg Weekly Wage
$1,090
Max Weekly Benefit
$1,870
Benefit Rate
80.0%
Max Duration
104w
Common Workplace Injuries in Iowa — Average Compensation
Based on Iowa's average weekly wage of $1,090 and the state's 80.0% 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 | $15,062 | $26,160 | $41,222 |
| Shoulder Injury | $12,287 | $19,184 | $31,471 |
| Knee Injury | $10,702 | $15,696 | $26,398 |
| Neck / Whiplash | $9,116 | $13,952 | $23,068 |
| Carpal Tunnel / Wrist | $5,549 | $9,592 | $15,141 |
| Fracture (Arm/Leg) | $7,333 | $12,208 | $19,541 |
| Head / Concussion | $13,675 | $20,928 | $34,603 |
Estimates based on Iowa 2026 workers' comp benefit rate (80.0% of AWW, capped at $1,870/week) and NCCI injury cost data. Actual compensation varies based on injury severity, impairment rating, and medical documentation.
How Much is Workers' Comp in Iowa?
In Iowa, workers' comp pays 80.0% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $1,870/week. The minimum weekly benefit is $374/week.Iowa has a 3-day waiting period before benefits begin, and TTD benefits can last up to 104 weeks.
Iowa Workers' Compensation Rates 2026
Workers' comp insurance rates in Iowa 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 Iowa?
The cost of workers compensation insurance in Iowa depends on three factors: your industry class code, your total annual payroll, and your experience modification rate. Here's what typical Iowa businesses pay annually for $100,000 in payroll:
| Industry | Annual Cost per $100K Payroll |
|---|---|
| Office / Clerical | $350 |
| Retail / Sales | $840 |
| Restaurant / Food Service | $1,490 |
| Healthcare | $1,730 |
| Manufacturing | $2,770 |
| Warehouse / Logistics | $3,820 |
| Construction (General) | $5,450 |
| Roofing (Highest Class) | $12,390 |
*Per-employee estimate based on Iowa's average weekly wage of $1,090. 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 Iowa
In Iowa, workers' comp benefits are calculated at 80% of your spendable weekly earnings (after taxes), making Iowa one of the highest-paying states for injured workers. The maximum weekly benefit is an impressive $1,870 and the minimum is $374. If you earn $1,200 per week gross, your spendable earnings might be around $960. Your benefit would be $960 x 80% = $768 per week.
Iowa has a 3-day waiting period. If your disability lasts more than 14 days, those 3 days are paid retroactively. Temporary total disability benefits can last up to 104 weeks.
Iowa's high benefit rate and high maximum make it one of the more generous states for workers' comp. Benefits are tax-free, so your full payment amount is take-home money.
Iowa Workers' Comp Laws You Must Know
- •All employers in Iowa must carry workers' comp insurance.
- •Iowa pays 80% of spendable weekly earnings, one of the highest rates in the nation.
- •The maximum weekly benefit in Iowa is $1,870, among the highest in the country.
- •Employees in Iowa can choose their own treating physician.
- •Iowa has a 2-year statute of limitations for filing workers' comp claims.
- •Iowa provides healing period benefits and permanent disability benefits.
- •Employers cannot retaliate against employees who file workers' comp claims.
How to File a Workers' Comp Claim in Iowa
- 1Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Iowa requires prompt notification.
- 2Seek medical treatment from a doctor of your choosing. Iowa allows you to pick your own physician.
- 3Your employer must file a First Report of Injury with the Iowa Division of Workers' Compensation.
- 4The insurer investigates and accepts or denies the claim. Benefits start after the 3-day waiting period.
- 5If denied, you can file a petition with the Iowa Workers' Compensation Commissioner at 1-515-281-5387.
Need help filing? Visit the Iowa Workers' Comp Board or call 1-515-281-5387 for assistance.
Special Rules in Iowa
- ⚠80% of spendable weekly earnings
- ⚠All employers must carry coverage
- ⚠Employee can choose own doctor
- ⚠2-year statute of limitations
Average Workers' Comp Settlement in Iowa
Settlement amounts in Iowa 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 Iowa Workers' Compensation Board.
Find a Workers' Comp Attorney in Iowa
Need Legal Help With Your Iowa 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.
Iowa Workers' Comp FAQ
Iowa has one of the highest benefit rates at 80% of spendable earnings. The maximum weekly benefit is also among the highest in the nation.
Workers' Comp in Nearby States
Legal Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates only and is not legal advice. Workers' compensation laws and benefit amounts in Iowa change frequently. Consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney in Iowa 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 Iowa 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.