North Carolina Workers' Comp Benefits Calculator 2026
Injured at work in North Carolina? You may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. North Carolina pays 66.7% of your average weekly wage as a weekly benefit, up to a maximum of $1,204/week. Use our free calculator below to estimate your weekly workers' comp benefit in 60 seconds — no email required.
North Carolina employers with 3+ employees must carry coverage. Benefits can last up to 500 weeks.
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.
North Carolina Workers' Comp Key Facts — 2026
| Maximum Weekly Benefit | $1,204/week |
| Minimum Weekly Benefit | $30/week |
| Benefit Rate | 66.7% of AWW |
| Waiting Period | 7 days |
| Retroactive After | 21 days |
| Filing Deadline | 730 days from injury |
| Max Duration (TTD) | 500 weeks |
| State Average Weekly Wage | $1,024/week |
| WC Board Phone | 1-919-807-2500 |
Source: North Carolina Workers' Compensation Board. Rates effective 2026.
Workers' Compensation in North Carolina: Key Numbers for 2026
State Avg Weekly Wage
$1,024
Max Weekly Benefit
$1,204
Benefit Rate
66.7%
Max Duration
500w
Common Workplace Injuries in North Carolina — Average Compensation
Based on North Carolina's average weekly wage of $1,024 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 | $14,150 | $20,481 | $34,631 |
| Shoulder Injury | $11,543 | $15,019 | $26,562 |
| Knee Injury | $10,054 | $12,289 | $22,343 |
| Neck / Whiplash | $8,564 | $10,923 | $19,487 |
| Carpal Tunnel / Wrist | $5,213 | $7,510 | $12,723 |
| Fracture (Arm/Leg) | $6,889 | $9,558 | $16,447 |
| Head / Concussion | $12,847 | $16,385 | $29,232 |
Estimates based on North Carolina 2026 workers' comp benefit rate (66.7% of AWW, capped at $1,204/week) and NCCI injury cost data. Actual compensation varies based on injury severity, impairment rating, and medical documentation.
How Much is Workers' Comp in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, workers' comp pays 66.7% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $1,204/week. The minimum weekly benefit is $30/week.North Carolina has a 7-day waiting period before benefits begin, and TTD benefits can last up to 500 weeks.
North Carolina Workers' Compensation Rates 2026
Workers' comp insurance rates in North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
The cost of workers compensation insurance in North Carolina depends on three factors: your industry class code, your total annual payroll, and your experience modification rate. Here's what typical North Carolina businesses pay annually for $100,000 in payroll:
| Industry | Annual Cost per $100K Payroll |
|---|---|
| Office / Clerical | $330 |
| Retail / Sales | $790 |
| Restaurant / Food Service | $1,400 |
| Healthcare | $1,630 |
| Manufacturing | $2,610 |
| Warehouse / Logistics | $3,580 |
| Construction (General) | $5,120 |
| Roofing (Highest Class) | $11,640 |
*Per-employee estimate based on North Carolina's average weekly wage of $1,024. 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 North Carolina
In North Carolina, workers' comp benefits are 66.67% of your average weekly wage. The maximum weekly benefit is $1,204 and the minimum is $30. If you earn $1,200 per week, your benefit would be $1,200 x 66.67% = $800 per week, which is under the North Carolina cap.
North Carolina has a 7-day waiting period. If your disability lasts more than 21 days, those first 7 days are paid retroactively. One major advantage of North Carolina is that TTD benefits can last up to 500 weeks (about 9.6 years), one of the longest durations in the country.
Workers' comp benefits in North Carolina are tax-free. The very long benefit duration helps workers with serious, long-lasting injuries.
North Carolina Workers' Comp Laws You Must Know
- •North Carolina employers with 3 or more employees must carry workers' comp insurance.
- •In North Carolina, the employer selects the treating physician.
- •North Carolina has a 2-year statute of limitations for filing claims.
- •TTD benefits in North Carolina can last up to 500 weeks.
- •Benefits are 66.67% of AWW, up to $1,204 per week.
- •Employers cannot retaliate against workers who file claims in North Carolina.
- •North Carolina covers both physical injuries and occupational diseases.
How to File a Workers' Comp Claim in North Carolina
- 1Report your injury to your employer in writing within 30 days.
- 2See the doctor selected by your employer. North Carolina gives employers the right to direct medical care.
- 3Your employer must file a Form 19 (Employer's Report of Employee's Injury) with the NC Industrial Commission.
- 4You should file a Form 18 (Employee's Notice of Accident) with the NC Industrial Commission.
- 5The insurer will accept or deny the claim. Benefits start after the 7-day waiting period.
- 6If denied, request a hearing before the NC Industrial Commission at 1-919-807-2500.
Need help filing? Visit the North Carolina Workers' Comp Board or call 1-919-807-2500 for assistance.
Special Rules in North Carolina
- ⚠Employers with 3+ employees must have coverage
- ⚠Employer selects treating physician
- ⚠2-year statute of limitations
- ⚠Up to 500 weeks of TTD benefits
Average Workers' Comp Settlement in North Carolina
Settlement amounts in North Carolina 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 North Carolina Workers' Compensation Board.
Find a Workers' Comp Attorney in North Carolina
Need Legal Help With Your North Carolina 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.
North Carolina Workers' Comp FAQ
North Carolina employers with 3+ employees must carry coverage. Benefits can last up to 500 weeks.
Workers' Comp in Nearby States
Legal Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates only and is not legal advice. Workers' compensation laws and benefit amounts in North Carolina change frequently. Consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney in North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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.