Montana Workers' Comp Benefits Calculator 2026
Injured at work in Montana? You may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. Montana pays 66.7% of your average weekly wage as a weekly benefit, up to a maximum of $843/week. Use our free calculator below to estimate your weekly workers' comp benefit in 60 seconds — no email required.
Montana requires all employers to carry workers' comp. Benefits are 66.67% of AWW with a 1-year filing deadline.
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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.
Montana Workers' Comp Key Facts — 2026
| Maximum Weekly Benefit | $843/week |
| Minimum Weekly Benefit | $169/week |
| Benefit Rate | 66.7% of AWW |
| Waiting Period | 4 days |
| Retroactive After | 8 days |
| Filing Deadline | 365 days from injury |
| Max Duration (TTD) | 104 weeks |
| State Average Weekly Wage | $843/week |
| WC Board Phone | 1-406-444-6500 |
Source: Montana Workers' Compensation Board. Rates effective 2026.
Workers' Compensation in Montana: Key Numbers for 2026
State Avg Weekly Wage
$843
Max Weekly Benefit
$843
Benefit Rate
66.7%
Max Duration
104w
Common Workplace Injuries in Montana — Average Compensation
Based on Montana's average weekly wage of $843 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 | $11,649 | $16,861 | $28,510 |
| Shoulder Injury | $9,503 | $12,365 | $21,868 |
| Knee Injury | $8,277 | $10,117 | $18,394 |
| Neck / Whiplash | $7,051 | $8,992 | $16,043 |
| Carpal Tunnel / Wrist | $4,292 | $6,182 | $10,474 |
| Fracture (Arm/Leg) | $5,671 | $7,868 | $13,539 |
| Head / Concussion | $10,576 | $13,489 | $24,065 |
Estimates based on Montana 2026 workers' comp benefit rate (66.7% of AWW, capped at $843/week) and NCCI injury cost data. Actual compensation varies based on injury severity, impairment rating, and medical documentation.
How Much is Workers' Comp in Montana?
In Montana, workers' comp pays 66.7% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $843/week. The minimum weekly benefit is $169/week.Montana has a 4-day waiting period before benefits begin, and TTD benefits can last up to 104 weeks.
Montana Workers' Compensation Rates 2026
Workers' comp insurance rates in Montana 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 Montana?
The cost of workers compensation insurance in Montana depends on three factors: your industry class code, your total annual payroll, and your experience modification rate. Here's what typical Montana businesses pay annually for $100,000 in payroll:
| Industry | Annual Cost per $100K Payroll |
|---|---|
| Office / Clerical | $270 |
| Retail / Sales | $650 |
| Restaurant / Food Service | $1,150 |
| Healthcare | $1,340 |
| Manufacturing | $2,150 |
| Warehouse / Logistics | $2,950 |
| Construction (General) | $4,220 |
| Roofing (Highest Class) | $9,580 |
*Per-employee estimate based on Montana's average weekly wage of $843. 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 Montana
In Montana, workers' comp benefits are 66.67% of your average weekly wage. The maximum weekly benefit is $843 and the minimum is $169. If you earn $1,200 per week, your benefit would be $1,200 x 66.67% = $800 per week. Since $800 is below the Montana cap of $843, you would receive the full $800.
Montana has a 4-day waiting period, which is slightly unusual (most states use 3 or 7 days). If your disability lasts more than 8 days, those first 4 days are paid retroactively. The 8-day retroactive trigger is one of the shortest in the country. Temporary total disability benefits last up to 104 weeks.
Workers' comp benefits in Montana are tax-free. The state also requires all employers to carry coverage, regardless of size.
Montana Workers' Comp Laws You Must Know
- •All employers in Montana must carry workers' comp insurance.
- •Montana has a unique 4-day waiting period with a very short 8-day retroactive trigger.
- •Montana has a 1-year statute of limitations for filing claims.
- •Employees in Montana can choose their own treating physician.
- •Benefits are 66.67% of AWW, up to $843 per week.
- •Montana provides permanent partial disability based on impairment ratings.
- •Employers cannot retaliate against workers who file claims in Montana.
How to File a Workers' Comp Claim in Montana
- 1Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible.
- 2See a doctor of your choosing. Montana allows you to pick your own physician.
- 3Your employer must file a First Report of Injury with their insurer and the Montana Department of Labor and Industry.
- 4The insurer investigates and accepts or denies the claim. Benefits start after the 4-day waiting period.
- 5If denied, file a petition with the Montana Workers' Compensation Court at 1-406-444-6500.
Need help filing? Visit the Montana Workers' Comp Board or call 1-406-444-6500 for assistance.
Special Rules in Montana
- ⚠All employers must carry coverage
- ⚠Employee can choose own doctor
- ⚠1-year statute of limitations
- ⚠4-day waiting period (shorter retroactive at 8 days)
Average Workers' Comp Settlement in Montana
Settlement amounts in Montana 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 Montana Workers' Compensation Board.
Find a Workers' Comp Attorney in Montana
Need Legal Help With Your Montana 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.
Montana Workers' Comp FAQ
Montana requires all employers to carry workers' comp. Benefits are 66.67% of AWW with a 1-year filing deadline.
Workers' Comp in Nearby States
Legal Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates only and is not legal advice. Workers' compensation laws and benefit amounts in Montana change frequently. Consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney in Montana 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 Montana 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.