Massachusetts Workers' Comp Benefits Calculator 2026
Injured at work in Massachusetts? You may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. Massachusetts pays 60.0% of your average weekly wage as a weekly benefit, up to a maximum of $1,811/week. Use our free calculator below to estimate your weekly workers' comp benefit in 60 seconds — no email required.
Massachusetts has the highest maximum weekly benefit in New England. Benefits are 60% of AWW. Dependents can increase benefits.
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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.
Massachusetts Workers' Comp Key Facts — 2026
| Maximum Weekly Benefit | $1,811/week |
| Minimum Weekly Benefit | $362/week |
| Benefit Rate | 60.0% of AWW |
| Waiting Period | 5 days |
| Retroactive After | 21 days |
| Filing Deadline | 365 days from injury |
| Max Duration (TTD) | 156 weeks |
| State Average Weekly Wage | $1,811/week |
| WC Board Phone | 1-617-727-4900 |
Source: Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Board. Rates effective 2026.
Workers' Compensation in Massachusetts: Key Numbers for 2026
State Avg Weekly Wage
$1,811
Max Weekly Benefit
$1,811
Benefit Rate
60.0%
Max Duration
156w
Common Workplace Injuries in Massachusetts — Average Compensation
Based on Massachusetts's average weekly wage of $1,811 and the state's 60.0% 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 | $25,025 | $32,598 | $57,623 |
| Shoulder Injury | $20,415 | $23,905 | $44,320 |
| Knee Injury | $17,781 | $19,559 | $37,340 |
| Neck / Whiplash | $15,147 | $17,386 | $32,533 |
| Carpal Tunnel / Wrist | $9,220 | $11,953 | $21,173 |
| Fracture (Arm/Leg) | $12,183 | $15,212 | $27,395 |
| Head / Concussion | $22,720 | $26,078 | $48,798 |
Estimates based on Massachusetts 2026 workers' comp benefit rate (60.0% of AWW, capped at $1,811/week) and NCCI injury cost data. Actual compensation varies based on injury severity, impairment rating, and medical documentation.
How Much is Workers' Comp in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, workers' comp pays 60.0% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $1,811/week. The minimum weekly benefit is $362/week.Massachusetts has a 5-day waiting period before benefits begin, and TTD benefits can last up to 156 weeks.
Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Rates 2026
Workers' comp insurance rates in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
The cost of workers compensation insurance in Massachusetts depends on three factors: your industry class code, your total annual payroll, and your experience modification rate. Here's what typical Massachusetts businesses pay annually for $100,000 in payroll:
| Industry | Annual Cost per $100K Payroll |
|---|---|
| Office / Clerical | $580 |
| Retail / Sales | $1,400 |
| Restaurant / Food Service | $2,470 |
| Healthcare | $2,880 |
| Manufacturing | $4,610 |
| Warehouse / Logistics | $6,340 |
| Construction (General) | $9,060 |
| Roofing (Highest Class) | $20,580 |
*Per-employee estimate based on Massachusetts's average weekly wage of $1,811. 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 Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, workers' comp benefits are 60% of your gross average weekly wage. The maximum weekly benefit is $1,811 -- the highest in New England -- and the minimum is $362. If you earn $1,200 per week, your benefit would be $1,200 x 60% = $720 per week. While the 60% rate is lower than many states, the very high maximum means higher earners in Massachusetts still receive substantial benefits.
Massachusetts has a 5-day waiting period. If your disability lasts more than 21 days, those 5 days are paid retroactively. Temporary total disability benefits can last up to 156 weeks (3 years).
Massachusetts also provides dependent allowances that can increase your weekly benefit. Workers' comp benefits are tax-free.
Massachusetts Workers' Comp Laws You Must Know
- •All employers in Massachusetts must carry workers' comp insurance.
- •Massachusetts pays 60% of gross average weekly wage.
- •The maximum weekly benefit is $1,811, the highest in New England.
- •Employees in Massachusetts can choose their own treating physician.
- •Massachusetts has a 1-year statute of limitations for filing claims.
- •Dependent allowances may increase your weekly benefit in Massachusetts.
- •Temporary total disability benefits can last up to 156 weeks (3 years).
How to File a Workers' Comp Claim in Massachusetts
- 1Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Massachusetts requires notification within a reasonable time.
- 2See a doctor of your choice. Massachusetts allows you to select your own physician.
- 3Your employer must file a First Report of Injury with the Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) within 7 days.
- 4The insurer has 14 days to begin paying benefits or deny the claim. If approved, benefits start after the 5-day waiting period.
- 5If denied, you can file a claim with the DIA at 1-617-727-4900.
- 6Keep detailed records of all medical treatment and time missed from work.
Need help filing? Visit the Massachusetts Workers' Comp Board or call 1-617-727-4900 for assistance.
Special Rules in Massachusetts
- ⚠60% of gross average weekly wage
- ⚠All employers must carry coverage
- ⚠Dependent allowance may increase benefits
- ⚠Employee can choose own doctor
- ⚠1-year statute of limitations
Average Workers' Comp Settlement in Massachusetts
Settlement amounts in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Board.
Find a Workers' Comp Attorney in Massachusetts
Need Legal Help With Your Massachusetts 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.
Massachusetts Workers' Comp FAQ
Massachusetts has the highest maximum weekly benefit in New England. Benefits are 60% of AWW. Dependents can increase benefits.
Workers' Comp in Nearby States
Legal Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates only and is not legal advice. Workers' compensation laws and benefit amounts in Massachusetts change frequently. Consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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.