South Dakota Workers' Comp Benefits Calculator 2026
Injured at work in South Dakota? You may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. South Dakota pays 66.7% of your average weekly wage as a weekly benefit, up to a maximum of $1,228/week. Use our free calculator below to estimate your weekly workers' comp benefit in 60 seconds — no email required.
South Dakota has a high minimum weekly benefit relative to the maximum. All employers must carry coverage with a 2-year filing deadline.
Your Situation
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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.
South Dakota Workers' Comp Key Facts — 2026
| Maximum Weekly Benefit | $1,228/week |
| Minimum Weekly Benefit | $438/week |
| Benefit Rate | 66.7% of AWW |
| Waiting Period | 7 days |
| Retroactive After | 7 days |
| Filing Deadline | 730 days from injury |
| Max Duration (TTD) | 104 weeks |
| State Average Weekly Wage | $768/week |
| WC Board Phone | 1-605-773-3681 |
Source: South Dakota Workers' Compensation Board. Rates effective 2026.
Workers' Compensation in South Dakota: Key Numbers for 2026
State Avg Weekly Wage
$768
Max Weekly Benefit
$1,228
Benefit Rate
66.7%
Max Duration
104w
Common Workplace Injuries in South Dakota — Average Compensation
Based on South Dakota's average weekly wage of $768 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 | $10,612 | $15,361 | $25,973 |
| Shoulder Injury | $8,657 | $11,265 | $19,922 |
| Knee Injury | $7,540 | $9,216 | $16,756 |
| Neck / Whiplash | $6,423 | $8,192 | $14,615 |
| Carpal Tunnel / Wrist | $3,910 | $5,632 | $9,542 |
| Fracture (Arm/Leg) | $5,167 | $7,168 | $12,335 |
| Head / Concussion | $9,635 | $12,289 | $21,924 |
Estimates based on South Dakota 2026 workers' comp benefit rate (66.7% of AWW, capped at $1,228/week) and NCCI injury cost data. Actual compensation varies based on injury severity, impairment rating, and medical documentation.
How Much is Workers' Comp in South Dakota?
In South Dakota, workers' comp pays 66.7% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $1,228/week. The minimum weekly benefit is $438/week.South Dakota has a 7-day waiting period before benefits begin, and TTD benefits can last up to 104 weeks.
South Dakota Workers' Compensation Rates 2026
Workers' comp insurance rates in South 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 South Dakota?
The cost of workers compensation insurance in South Dakota depends on three factors: your industry class code, your total annual payroll, and your experience modification rate. Here's what typical South Dakota businesses pay annually for $100,000 in payroll:
| Industry | Annual Cost per $100K Payroll |
|---|---|
| Office / Clerical | $240 |
| Retail / Sales | $590 |
| Restaurant / Food Service | $1,050 |
| Healthcare | $1,220 |
| Manufacturing | $1,950 |
| Warehouse / Logistics | $2,690 |
| Construction (General) | $3,840 |
| Roofing (Highest Class) | $8,730 |
*Per-employee estimate based on South Dakota's average weekly wage of $768. 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 South Dakota
In South Dakota, workers' comp benefits are 66.67% of your average weekly wage. The maximum weekly benefit is $1,228 and the minimum is an unusually high $438. If you earn $1,200 per week, your benefit would be $1,200 x 66.67% = $800 per week. This is within the South Dakota range.
South Dakota has a 7-day waiting period. If your disability lasts more than just 7 days, those first 7 waiting days are paid retroactively -- one of the quickest retroactive triggers in the country. TTD benefits last up to 104 weeks.
South Dakota is notable for its high minimum benefit relative to the maximum, meaning lower-wage workers still receive meaningful support. Benefits are tax-free.
South Dakota Workers' Comp Laws You Must Know
- •All employers in South Dakota must carry workers' comp insurance.
- •South Dakota has one of the highest minimum weekly benefits at $438.
- •Employees in South Dakota can choose their own treating physician.
- •South Dakota has a 2-year statute of limitations for filing claims.
- •The 7-day retroactive trigger is very quick -- benefits are retroactive if disabled more than 7 days.
- •Benefits are 66.67% of AWW, up to $1,228 per week.
- •Employers cannot retaliate against workers who file claims in South Dakota.
How to File a Workers' Comp Claim in South Dakota
- 1Report your injury to your employer within 3 business days. South Dakota requires prompt notification.
- 2See a doctor of your choosing. South Dakota allows you to pick your own physician.
- 3Your employer must file a First Report of Injury with the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation.
- 4The insurer will accept or deny the claim. Benefits start after the 7-day waiting period.
- 5If denied, file a petition with the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation at 1-605-773-3681.
Need help filing? Visit the South Dakota Workers' Comp Board or call 1-605-773-3681 for assistance.
Special Rules in South Dakota
- ⚠All employers must carry coverage
- ⚠Employee can choose own doctor
- ⚠2-year statute of limitations
- ⚠Quick 7-day retroactive period
Average Workers' Comp Settlement in South Dakota
Settlement amounts in South 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 South Dakota Workers' Compensation Board.
Find a Workers' Comp Attorney in South Dakota
Need Legal Help With Your South 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.
South Dakota Workers' Comp FAQ
South Dakota has a high minimum weekly benefit relative to the maximum. All employers must carry coverage with a 2-year filing deadline.
Workers' Comp in Nearby States
Legal Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates only and is not legal advice. Workers' compensation laws and benefit amounts in South Dakota change frequently. Consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney in South 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 South 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.