New Jersey Workers' Comp Benefits Calculator 2026
Injured at work in New Jersey? You may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. New Jersey pays 70.0% of your average weekly wage as a weekly benefit, up to a maximum of $1,145/week. Use our free calculator below to estimate your weekly workers' comp benefit in 60 seconds — no email required.
New Jersey pays 70% of average weekly wage, higher than most states. Up to 400 weeks of benefits for TTD.
Your Situation
Tell us about your state and wages to calculate your benefits.
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.
New Jersey Workers' Comp Key Facts — 2026
| Maximum Weekly Benefit | $1,145/week |
| Minimum Weekly Benefit | $286/week |
| Benefit Rate | 70.0% of AWW |
| Waiting Period | 7 days |
| Retroactive After | 7 days |
| Filing Deadline | 730 days from injury |
| Max Duration (TTD) | 400 weeks |
| State Average Weekly Wage | $1,373/week |
| WC Board Phone | 1-609-292-2515 |
Source: New Jersey Workers' Compensation Board. Rates effective 2026.
Workers' Compensation in New Jersey: Key Numbers for 2026
State Avg Weekly Wage
$1,373
Max Weekly Benefit
$1,145
Benefit Rate
70.0%
Max Duration
400w
Common Workplace Injuries in New Jersey — Average Compensation
Based on New Jersey's average weekly wage of $1,373 and the state's 70.0% 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 | $18,972 | $28,833 | $47,805 |
| Shoulder Injury | $15,477 | $21,144 | $36,621 |
| Knee Injury | $13,480 | $17,300 | $30,780 |
| Neck / Whiplash | $11,483 | $15,378 | $26,861 |
| Carpal Tunnel / Wrist | $6,990 | $10,572 | $17,562 |
| Fracture (Arm/Leg) | $9,237 | $13,455 | $22,692 |
| Head / Concussion | $17,225 | $23,066 | $40,291 |
Estimates based on New Jersey 2026 workers' comp benefit rate (70.0% of AWW, capped at $1,145/week) and NCCI injury cost data. Actual compensation varies based on injury severity, impairment rating, and medical documentation.
How Much is Workers' Comp in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, workers' comp pays 70.0% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $1,145/week. The minimum weekly benefit is $286/week.New Jersey has a 7-day waiting period before benefits begin, and TTD benefits can last up to 400 weeks.
New Jersey Workers' Compensation Rates 2026
Workers' comp insurance rates in New Jersey 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 New Jersey?
The cost of workers compensation insurance in New Jersey depends on three factors: your industry class code, your total annual payroll, and your experience modification rate. Here's what typical New Jersey businesses pay annually for $100,000 in payroll:
| Industry | Annual Cost per $100K Payroll |
|---|---|
| Office / Clerical | $440 |
| Retail / Sales | $1,060 |
| Restaurant / Food Service | $1,870 |
| Healthcare | $2,180 |
| Manufacturing | $3,490 |
| Warehouse / Logistics | $4,810 |
| Construction (General) | $6,870 |
| Roofing (Highest Class) | $15,600 |
*Per-employee estimate based on New Jersey's average weekly wage of $1,373. 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 New Jersey
In New Jersey, workers' comp benefits are 70% of your average weekly wage, which is higher than the national standard of 66.67%. The maximum weekly benefit is $1,145 and the minimum is $286. If you earn $1,200 per week, your benefit would be $1,200 x 70% = $840 per week. Since $840 is below the $1,145 cap, you would receive $840.
New Jersey has a 7-day waiting period. Uniquely, if your disability lasts more than just 7 days total, those first 7 waiting days are paid retroactively -- one of the quickest retroactive triggers in the country. TTD benefits can last up to 400 weeks (about 7.7 years).
New Jersey's higher 70% rate and long benefit duration make it one of the more worker-friendly states. Benefits are tax-free.
New Jersey Workers' Comp Laws You Must Know
- •All employers in New Jersey must carry workers' comp insurance.
- •New Jersey pays 70% of average weekly wage, above the national average.
- •TTD benefits in New Jersey can last up to 400 weeks.
- •Employees in New Jersey can choose their own treating physician.
- •New Jersey has a 2-year statute of limitations for filing claims.
- •New Jersey has one of the quickest retroactive triggers at just 7 days.
- •Employers cannot discriminate against workers who file claims in New Jersey.
How to File a Workers' Comp Claim in New Jersey
- 1Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. New Jersey recommends immediate notification.
- 2See a doctor of your choosing. New Jersey allows you to pick your own physician.
- 3Your employer must report the injury to their insurer. A formal claim petition can be filed with the NJ Division of Workers' Compensation.
- 4The insurer will accept or deny the claim. Benefits start after the 7-day waiting period.
- 5If denied, file a claim petition with the NJ Division of Workers' Compensation at 1-609-292-2515.
Need help filing? Visit the New Jersey Workers' Comp Board or call 1-609-292-2515 for assistance.
Special Rules in New Jersey
- ⚠70% of gross average weekly wage
- ⚠All employers must carry coverage
- ⚠Employee can choose own doctor
- ⚠2-year statute of limitations
- ⚠Up to 400 weeks of benefits
Average Workers' Comp Settlement in New Jersey
Settlement amounts in New Jersey 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 New Jersey Workers' Compensation Board.
Find a Workers' Comp Attorney in New Jersey
Need Legal Help With Your New Jersey 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.
New Jersey Workers' Comp FAQ
New Jersey pays 70% of average weekly wage, higher than most states. Up to 400 weeks of benefits for TTD.
Workers' Comp in Nearby States
Legal Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates only and is not legal advice. Workers' compensation laws and benefit amounts in New Jersey change frequently. Consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney in New Jersey 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 New Jersey 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.