Tennessee Workers' Comp Benefits Calculator 2026
Injured at work in Tennessee? You may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. Tennessee pays 66.7% of your average weekly wage as a weekly benefit, up to a maximum of $1,200/week. Use our free calculator below to estimate your weekly workers' comp benefit in 60 seconds — no email required.
Tennessee employers with 5+ employees must carry coverage. Benefits can last up to 400 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.
Tennessee Workers' Comp Key Facts — 2026
| Maximum Weekly Benefit | $1,200/week |
| Minimum Weekly Benefit | $145/week |
| Benefit Rate | 66.7% of AWW |
| Waiting Period | 7 days |
| Retroactive After | 14 days |
| Filing Deadline | 365 days from injury |
| Max Duration (TTD) | 400 weeks |
| State Average Weekly Wage | $938/week |
| WC Board Phone | 1-800-332-2667 |
Source: Tennessee Workers' Compensation Board. Rates effective 2026.
Workers' Compensation in Tennessee: Key Numbers for 2026
State Avg Weekly Wage
$938
Max Weekly Benefit
$1,200
Benefit Rate
66.7%
Max Duration
400w
Common Workplace Injuries in Tennessee — Average Compensation
Based on Tennessee's average weekly wage of $938 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 | $12,961 | $18,761 | $31,722 |
| Shoulder Injury | $10,574 | $13,758 | $24,332 |
| Knee Injury | $9,209 | $11,257 | $20,466 |
| Neck / Whiplash | $7,845 | $10,006 | $17,851 |
| Carpal Tunnel / Wrist | $4,775 | $6,879 | $11,654 |
| Fracture (Arm/Leg) | $6,310 | $8,755 | $15,065 |
| Head / Concussion | $11,768 | $15,009 | $26,777 |
Estimates based on Tennessee 2026 workers' comp benefit rate (66.7% of AWW, capped at $1,200/week) and NCCI injury cost data. Actual compensation varies based on injury severity, impairment rating, and medical documentation.
How Much is Workers' Comp in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, workers' comp pays 66.7% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $1,200/week. The minimum weekly benefit is $145/week.Tennessee has a 7-day waiting period before benefits begin, and TTD benefits can last up to 400 weeks.
Tennessee Workers' Compensation Rates 2026
Workers' comp insurance rates in Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
The cost of workers compensation insurance in Tennessee depends on three factors: your industry class code, your total annual payroll, and your experience modification rate. Here's what typical Tennessee businesses pay annually for $100,000 in payroll:
| Industry | Annual Cost per $100K Payroll |
|---|---|
| Office / Clerical | $300 |
| Retail / Sales | $720 |
| Restaurant / Food Service | $1,280 |
| Healthcare | $1,490 |
| Manufacturing | $2,390 |
| Warehouse / Logistics | $3,280 |
| Construction (General) | $4,690 |
| Roofing (Highest Class) | $10,660 |
*Per-employee estimate based on Tennessee's average weekly wage of $938. 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 Tennessee
In Tennessee, workers' comp benefits are 66.67% of your average weekly wage. The maximum weekly benefit is $1,200 and the minimum is $145. If you earn $1,200 per week, your benefit would be $1,200 x 66.67% = $800 per week. This is well under the Tennessee maximum.
Tennessee 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 400 weeks (about 7.7 years), one of the longer durations in the country.
Tennessee provides a panel of 3 doctors from which you must choose your treating physician. Benefits are tax-free.
Tennessee Workers' Comp Laws You Must Know
- •Tennessee employers with 5 or more employees must carry workers' comp insurance.
- •In Tennessee, your employer provides a panel of 3 doctors for you to choose from.
- •Tennessee has a 1-year statute of limitations for filing claims.
- •TTD benefits in Tennessee can last up to 400 weeks.
- •Benefits are 66.67% of AWW, up to $1,200 per week.
- •Tennessee covers both workplace injuries and occupational diseases.
- •Employers cannot retaliate against workers who file claims in Tennessee.
How to File a Workers' Comp Claim in Tennessee
- 1Report your injury to your employer within 15 days. The sooner you report, the smoother your claim will go.
- 2Choose a doctor from the panel of 3 physicians provided by your employer.
- 3Your employer must file a First Report of Injury with the Tennessee Bureau of Workers' Compensation.
- 4The insurer will accept or deny the claim. Benefits start after the 7-day waiting period.
- 5If denied, file a petition with the Tennessee Bureau of Workers' Compensation. Call 1-800-332-2667.
Need help filing? Visit the Tennessee Workers' Comp Board or call 1-800-332-2667 for assistance.
Special Rules in Tennessee
- ⚠Employers with 5+ employees must have coverage
- ⚠Employer provides panel of 3 doctors
- ⚠1-year statute of limitations
- ⚠Up to 400 weeks of benefits
Average Workers' Comp Settlement in Tennessee
Settlement amounts in Tennessee 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 Tennessee Workers' Compensation Board.
Find a Workers' Comp Attorney in Tennessee
Need Legal Help With Your Tennessee 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.
Tennessee Workers' Comp FAQ
Tennessee employers with 5+ employees must carry coverage. Benefits can last up to 400 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 Tennessee change frequently. Consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney in Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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.