North Dakota Workers' Comp Benefits Calculator 2026
Injured at work in North Dakota? You may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. North Dakota pays 66.7% of your average weekly wage as a weekly benefit, up to a maximum of $1,046/week. Use our free calculator below to estimate your weekly workers' comp benefit in 60 seconds — no email required.
North Dakota has a state-run monopolistic workers' comp fund (WSI). All employers must participate. Very fast 5-day retroactive trigger.
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 Dakota Workers' Comp Key Facts — 2026
| Maximum Weekly Benefit | $1,046/week |
| Minimum Weekly Benefit | $524/week |
| Benefit Rate | 66.7% of AWW |
| Waiting Period | 5 days |
| Retroactive After | 5 days |
| Filing Deadline | 365 days from injury |
| Max Duration (TTD) | 104 weeks |
| State Average Weekly Wage | $1,046/week |
| WC Board Phone | 1-800-777-5033 |
Source: North Dakota Workers' Compensation Board. Rates effective 2026.
Workers' Compensation in North Dakota: Key Numbers for 2026
State Avg Weekly Wage
$1,046
Max Weekly Benefit
$1,046
Benefit Rate
66.7%
Max Duration
104w
Common Workplace Injuries in North Dakota — Average Compensation
Based on North Dakota's average weekly wage of $1,046 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 | $14,454 | $20,921 | $35,375 |
| Shoulder Injury | $11,791 | $15,342 | $27,133 |
| Knee Injury | $10,270 | $12,553 | $22,823 |
| Neck / Whiplash | $8,748 | $11,158 | $19,906 |
| Carpal Tunnel / Wrist | $5,325 | $7,671 | $12,996 |
| Fracture (Arm/Leg) | $7,037 | $9,763 | $16,800 |
| Head / Concussion | $13,123 | $16,737 | $29,860 |
Estimates based on North Dakota 2026 workers' comp benefit rate (66.7% of AWW, capped at $1,046/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 Dakota?
In North Dakota, workers' comp pays 66.7% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $1,046/week. The minimum weekly benefit is $524/week.North Dakota has a 5-day waiting period before benefits begin, and TTD benefits can last up to 104 weeks.
North Dakota Workers' Compensation Rates 2026
Workers' comp insurance rates in North Dakota 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 Dakota?
The cost of workers compensation insurance in North Dakota depends on three factors: your industry class code, your total annual payroll, and your experience modification rate. Here's what typical North Dakota businesses pay annually for $100,000 in payroll:
| Industry | Annual Cost per $100K Payroll |
|---|---|
| Office / Clerical | $330 |
| Retail / Sales | $810 |
| Restaurant / Food Service | $1,430 |
| Healthcare | $1,660 |
| Manufacturing | $2,660 |
| Warehouse / Logistics | $3,660 |
| Construction (General) | $5,230 |
| Roofing (Highest Class) | $11,890 |
*Per-employee estimate based on North Dakota's average weekly wage of $1,046. 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 Dakota
In North Dakota, workers' comp operates under a state-run monopolistic system through Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI). Benefits are 66.67% of your average weekly wage. The maximum weekly benefit is $1,046 and the minimum is $524 -- one of the highest minimums in the country. If you earn $1,200 per week, your benefit would be $1,200 x 66.67% = $800 per week.
North Dakota has a 5-day waiting period. If your disability lasts more than just 5 days, those first 5 days are paid retroactively -- one of the fastest retroactive triggers in the nation. TTD benefits last up to 104 weeks.
Because North Dakota runs a state monopoly system, all employers must participate through WSI rather than private insurance. Benefits are tax-free.
North Dakota Workers' Comp Laws You Must Know
- •North Dakota has a state-monopoly workers' comp system run by Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI).
- •All employers in North Dakota must participate in WSI.
- •North Dakota has one of the highest minimum weekly benefits at $524.
- •Employees in North Dakota can choose their own treating physician.
- •North Dakota has a 1-year statute of limitations for filing claims.
- •The 5-day retroactive trigger is one of the fastest in the country.
- •Benefits are 66.67% of AWW, up to $1,046 per week.
How to File a Workers' Comp Claim in North Dakota
- 1Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible.
- 2See a doctor of your choosing. North Dakota allows you to pick your own physician.
- 3File a claim directly with Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI). Your employer should also report the injury to WSI.
- 4WSI will investigate and accept or deny the claim. Benefits start after the 5-day waiting period.
- 5If denied, you can appeal through WSI's formal review process. Call 1-800-777-5033 for help.
Need help filing? Visit the North Dakota Workers' Comp Board or call 1-800-777-5033 for assistance.
Special Rules in North Dakota
- ⚠State-monopoly system (Workforce Safety & Insurance)
- ⚠All employers must participate
- ⚠Employee can choose own doctor
- ⚠1-year statute of limitations
- ⚠5-day retroactive period
Average Workers' Comp Settlement in North Dakota
Settlement amounts in North Dakota 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 Dakota Workers' Compensation Board.
Find a Workers' Comp Attorney in North Dakota
Need Legal Help With Your North Dakota 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 Dakota Workers' Comp FAQ
North Dakota has a state-run monopolistic workers' comp fund (WSI). All employers must participate. Very fast 5-day retroactive trigger.
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 Dakota change frequently. Consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney in North Dakota 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 Dakota 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.