New Mexico Workers' Comp Benefits Calculator 2026
Injured at work in New Mexico? You may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. New Mexico pays 66.7% of your average weekly wage as a weekly benefit, up to a maximum of $1,066/week. Use our free calculator below to estimate your weekly workers' comp benefit in 60 seconds — no email required.
New Mexico requires employers with 3+ employees to carry coverage. The retroactive period is 28 days, one of the longest.
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 Mexico Workers' Comp Key Facts — 2026
| Maximum Weekly Benefit | $1,066/week |
| Minimum Weekly Benefit | $178/week |
| Benefit Rate | 66.7% of AWW |
| Waiting Period | 7 days |
| Retroactive After | 28 days |
| Filing Deadline | 365 days from injury |
| Max Duration (TTD) | 104 weeks |
| State Average Weekly Wage | $893/week |
| WC Board Phone | 1-505-841-6000 |
Source: New Mexico Workers' Compensation Board. Rates effective 2026.
Workers' Compensation in New Mexico: Key Numbers for 2026
State Avg Weekly Wage
$893
Max Weekly Benefit
$1,066
Benefit Rate
66.7%
Max Duration
104w
Common Workplace Injuries in New Mexico — Average Compensation
Based on New Mexico's average weekly wage of $893 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 | $12,340 | $17,861 | $30,201 |
| Shoulder Injury | $10,067 | $13,098 | $23,165 |
| Knee Injury | $8,768 | $10,717 | $19,485 |
| Neck / Whiplash | $7,469 | $9,526 | $16,995 |
| Carpal Tunnel / Wrist | $4,546 | $6,549 | $11,095 |
| Fracture (Arm/Leg) | $6,007 | $8,335 | $14,342 |
| Head / Concussion | $11,203 | $14,289 | $25,492 |
Estimates based on New Mexico 2026 workers' comp benefit rate (66.7% of AWW, capped at $1,066/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 Mexico?
In New Mexico, workers' comp pays 66.7% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $1,066/week. The minimum weekly benefit is $178/week.New Mexico has a 7-day waiting period before benefits begin, and TTD benefits can last up to 104 weeks.
New Mexico Workers' Compensation Rates 2026
Workers' comp insurance rates in New Mexico 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 Mexico?
The cost of workers compensation insurance in New Mexico depends on three factors: your industry class code, your total annual payroll, and your experience modification rate. Here's what typical New Mexico businesses pay annually for $100,000 in payroll:
| Industry | Annual Cost per $100K Payroll |
|---|---|
| Office / Clerical | $280 |
| Retail / Sales | $690 |
| Restaurant / Food Service | $1,220 |
| Healthcare | $1,420 |
| Manufacturing | $2,270 |
| Warehouse / Logistics | $3,130 |
| Construction (General) | $4,470 |
| Roofing (Highest Class) | $10,150 |
*Per-employee estimate based on New Mexico's average weekly wage of $893. 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 Mexico
In New Mexico, workers' comp benefits are 66.67% of your average weekly wage. The maximum weekly benefit is $1,066 and the minimum is $178. If you earn $1,200 per week, your benefit would be $1,200 x 66.67% = $800 per week. This falls under the New Mexico cap, so you would receive $800.
New Mexico has a 7-day waiting period. If your disability lasts more than 28 days, those first 7 days are paid retroactively. The 28-day retroactive trigger is one of the longest in the country, meaning you need to be disabled for nearly a month before getting paid for the first week.
Temporary total disability benefits last up to 104 weeks. Workers' comp benefits in New Mexico are tax-free.
New Mexico Workers' Comp Laws You Must Know
- •New Mexico employers with 3 or more employees must carry workers' comp insurance.
- •Employees in New Mexico can choose their own treating physician.
- •New Mexico has a 1-year statute of limitations for filing claims.
- •The 28-day retroactive trigger in New Mexico is one of the longest in the country.
- •Benefits are 66.67% of AWW, up to $1,066 per week.
- •New Mexico covers both workplace injuries and occupational diseases.
- •Employers cannot retaliate against workers who file claims in New Mexico.
How to File a Workers' Comp Claim in New Mexico
- 1Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible.
- 2See a doctor of your choosing. New Mexico allows you to pick your own physician.
- 3File a Worker's Claim for Compensation with the New Mexico Workers' Compensation Administration.
- 4The insurer will investigate and accept or deny the claim. Benefits start after the 7-day waiting period.
- 5If denied, request a hearing with the New Mexico Workers' Compensation Administration at 1-505-841-6000.
Need help filing? Visit the New Mexico Workers' Comp Board or call 1-505-841-6000 for assistance.
Special Rules in New Mexico
- ⚠Employers with 3+ employees must have coverage
- ⚠Employee can choose own doctor
- ⚠1-year statute of limitations
- ⚠28-day retroactive period
Average Workers' Comp Settlement in New Mexico
Settlement amounts in New Mexico 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 Mexico Workers' Compensation Board.
Find a Workers' Comp Attorney in New Mexico
Need Legal Help With Your New Mexico 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 Mexico Workers' Comp FAQ
New Mexico requires employers with 3+ employees to carry coverage. The retroactive period is 28 days, one of the longest.
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 Mexico change frequently. Consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney in New Mexico 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 Mexico 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.