Pennsylvania Workers' Comp Benefits Calculator 2026
Injured at work in Pennsylvania? You may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. Pennsylvania pays 66.7% of your average weekly wage as a weekly benefit, up to a maximum of $1,394/week. Use our free calculator below to estimate your weekly workers' comp benefit in 60 seconds — no email required.
Pennsylvania has a 3-year statute of limitations and up to 500 weeks of benefits. All employers must carry coverage.
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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.
Pennsylvania Workers' Comp Key Facts — 2026
| Maximum Weekly Benefit | $1,394/week |
| Minimum Weekly Benefit | $279/week |
| Benefit Rate | 66.7% of AWW |
| Waiting Period | 7 days |
| Retroactive After | 14 days |
| Filing Deadline | 1095 days from injury |
| Max Duration (TTD) | 500 weeks |
| State Average Weekly Wage | $1,394/week |
| WC Board Phone | 1-717-787-5279 |
Source: Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Board. Rates effective 2026.
Workers' Compensation in Pennsylvania: Key Numbers for 2026
State Avg Weekly Wage
$1,394
Max Weekly Benefit
$1,394
Benefit Rate
66.7%
Max Duration
500w
Common Workplace Injuries in Pennsylvania — Average Compensation
Based on Pennsylvania's average weekly wage of $1,394 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 | $19,263 | $27,881 | $47,144 |
| Shoulder Injury | $15,714 | $20,446 | $36,160 |
| Knee Injury | $13,687 | $16,729 | $30,416 |
| Neck / Whiplash | $11,659 | $14,870 | $26,529 |
| Carpal Tunnel / Wrist | $7,097 | $10,223 | $17,320 |
| Fracture (Arm/Leg) | $9,378 | $13,011 | $22,389 |
| Head / Concussion | $17,488 | $22,305 | $39,793 |
Estimates based on Pennsylvania 2026 workers' comp benefit rate (66.7% of AWW, capped at $1,394/week) and NCCI injury cost data. Actual compensation varies based on injury severity, impairment rating, and medical documentation.
How Much is Workers' Comp in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, workers' comp pays 66.7% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $1,394/week. The minimum weekly benefit is $279/week.Pennsylvania has a 7-day waiting period before benefits begin, and TTD benefits can last up to 500 weeks.
Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Rates 2026
Workers' comp insurance rates in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The cost of workers compensation insurance in Pennsylvania depends on three factors: your industry class code, your total annual payroll, and your experience modification rate. Here's what typical Pennsylvania businesses pay annually for $100,000 in payroll:
| Industry | Annual Cost per $100K Payroll |
|---|---|
| Office / Clerical | $440 |
| Retail / Sales | $1,080 |
| Restaurant / Food Service | $1,900 |
| Healthcare | $2,220 |
| Manufacturing | $3,550 |
| Warehouse / Logistics | $4,880 |
| Construction (General) | $6,970 |
| Roofing (Highest Class) | $15,840 |
*Per-employee estimate based on Pennsylvania's average weekly wage of $1,394. 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 Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, workers' comp benefits are 66.67% of your average weekly wage. The maximum weekly benefit is $1,394 and the minimum is $279. If you earn $1,200 per week, your benefit would be $1,200 x 66.67% = $800 per week, which is under the Pennsylvania cap.
Pennsylvania has a 7-day waiting period. If your disability lasts more than 14 days, those first 7 days are paid retroactively. TTD benefits can last up to 500 weeks (about 9.6 years), one of the longest durations in the country.
Pennsylvania also has a generous 3-year statute of limitations for filing claims. The state uses a panel system for doctor selection during the first 90 days. Benefits are tax-free.
Pennsylvania Workers' Comp Laws You Must Know
- •All employers in Pennsylvania must carry workers' comp insurance.
- •Pennsylvania has a 3-year statute of limitations, one of the longest in the nation.
- •For the first 90 days, you must choose from a list of at least 6 doctors provided by your employer.
- •TTD benefits in Pennsylvania can last up to 500 weeks.
- •Benefits are 66.67% of AWW, up to $1,394 per week.
- •After 90 days, you can switch to your own doctor in Pennsylvania.
- •Employers cannot retaliate against workers who file claims in Pennsylvania.
How to File a Workers' Comp Claim in Pennsylvania
- 1Report your injury to your employer within 120 days. The sooner you report, the better for your claim.
- 2Choose a doctor from your employer's list of at least 6 providers for the first 90 days.
- 3Your employer must file a report with their insurer and the PA Bureau of Workers' Compensation.
- 4The insurer has 21 days to accept, deny, or issue a temporary payment. Benefits start after the 7-day waiting period.
- 5If denied, file a Claim Petition with the PA Bureau of Workers' Compensation at 1-717-787-5279.
- 6After 90 days, you may switch to a doctor of your own choosing.
Need help filing? Visit the Pennsylvania Workers' Comp Board or call 1-717-787-5279 for assistance.
Special Rules in Pennsylvania
- ⚠All employers must carry coverage
- ⚠Employee can choose from employer's list of 6+ doctors for first 90 days
- ⚠3-year statute of limitations
- ⚠Up to 500 weeks of TTD benefits
Average Workers' Comp Settlement in Pennsylvania
Settlement amounts in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Board.
Find a Workers' Comp Attorney in Pennsylvania
Need Legal Help With Your Pennsylvania 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.
Pennsylvania Workers' Comp FAQ
Pennsylvania has a 3-year statute of limitations and up to 500 weeks of benefits. All employers must carry coverage.
Workers' Comp in Nearby States
Legal Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates only and is not legal advice. Workers' compensation laws and benefit amounts in Pennsylvania change frequently. Consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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.