Texas Workers' Comp Benefits Calculator 2026
Injured at work in Texas? You may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. Texas pays 70.0% of your average weekly wage as a weekly benefit, up to a maximum of $1,135/week. Use our free calculator below to estimate your weekly workers' comp benefit in 60 seconds — no email required.
Texas is the only state where workers' comp is optional for most employers. If your employer doesn't have coverage, you may be able to sue them directly.
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.
Texas Workers' Comp Maximum Weekly Benefit 2026
The Texas maximum weekly workers' compensation benefit for 2026 is $1,135 per week. Texas uses a tiered system: 70% of AWW for the first 26 weeks, then 75% of the initial payment for remaining weeks. The minimum is $184/week.
Important: Texas is the only state where workers' comp is optional for most private employers. If your employer is a “non-subscriber,” you may have different legal rights.
Texas Workers' Comp Key Facts — 2026
| Maximum Weekly Benefit | $1,135/week |
| Minimum Weekly Benefit | $167/week |
| Benefit Rate | 70.0% of AWW |
| Waiting Period | 7 days |
| Retroactive After | 14 days |
| Filing Deadline | 30 days from injury |
| Max Duration (TTD) | 104 weeks |
| State Average Weekly Wage | $1,135/week |
| WC Board Phone | 1-800-372-7713 |
Source: Texas Workers' Compensation Board. Rates effective 2026.
Workers' Compensation in Texas: Key Numbers for 2026
State Avg Weekly Wage
$1,135
Max Weekly Benefit
$1,135
Benefit Rate
70.0%
Max Duration
104w
Common Workplace Injuries in Texas — Average Compensation
Based on Texas's average weekly wage of $1,135 and the state's 70.0% 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 | $15,684 | $23,835 | $39,519 |
| Shoulder Injury | $12,795 | $17,479 | $30,274 |
| Knee Injury | $11,144 | $14,301 | $25,445 |
| Neck / Whiplash | $9,493 | $12,712 | $22,205 |
| Carpal Tunnel / Wrist | $5,778 | $8,740 | $14,518 |
| Fracture (Arm/Leg) | $7,635 | $11,123 | $18,758 |
| Head / Concussion | $14,239 | $19,068 | $33,307 |
Estimates based on Texas 2026 workers' comp benefit rate (70.0% of AWW, capped at $1,135/week) and NCCI injury cost data. Actual compensation varies based on injury severity, impairment rating, and medical documentation.
How Much is Workers' Comp in Texas?
In Texas, workers' comp pays 70.0% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $1,135/week. The minimum weekly benefit is $167/week.Texas has a 7-day waiting period before benefits begin, and TTD benefits can last up to 104 weeks.
Texas Workers' Compensation Rates 2026
Workers' comp insurance rates in Texas 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 Texas?
The cost of workers compensation insurance in Texas depends on three factors: your industry class code, your total annual payroll, and your experience modification rate. Here's what typical Texas businesses pay annually for $100,000 in payroll:
| Industry | Annual Cost per $100K Payroll |
|---|---|
| Office / Clerical | $360 |
| Retail / Sales | $880 |
| Restaurant / Food Service | $1,550 |
| Healthcare | $1,810 |
| Manufacturing | $2,890 |
| Warehouse / Logistics | $3,970 |
| Construction (General) | $5,680 |
| Roofing (Highest Class) | $12,900 |
*Per-employee estimate based on Texas's average weekly wage of $1,135. 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 Texas
In Texas, workers' comp benefits are 70% of your average weekly wage, higher than the national standard. The maximum weekly benefit is $1,135 and the minimum is $167. If you earn $1,200 per week, your benefit would be $1,200 x 70% = $840 per week. Since $840 is below the Texas cap, you would receive $840.
Texas has a 7-day waiting period. If your disability lasts more than 14 days, those first 7 days are paid retroactively. TTD benefits last up to 104 weeks.
Texas is unique because workers' comp is voluntary for most private employers. If your employer chooses not to carry coverage (known as a 'non-subscriber'), they lose important legal protections and you may be able to sue them directly for your injury. Benefits are tax-free.
Texas Workers' Comp Laws You Must Know
- •Texas is the only state where workers' comp insurance is voluntary for most private employers.
- •Non-subscribing employers in Texas can be sued directly for workplace injuries.
- •Texas pays 70% of average weekly wage, above the national average.
- •Employees in Texas can choose their own treating physician.
- •You must report your injury within 30 days in Texas.
- •The maximum weekly benefit in Texas is $1,135.
- •Texas has a 1-year statute of limitations for filing claims with the Division of Workers' Compensation.
How to File a Workers' Comp Claim in Texas
- 1Report your injury to your employer within 30 days of the accident.
- 2Verify whether your employer carries workers' comp insurance. If they do not, you may have a separate legal claim.
- 3See a doctor of your choosing. Texas allows you to pick your own physician.
- 4File a claim (DWC Form-041) with the Texas Division of Workers' Compensation within 1 year.
- 5The insurer will accept or deny the claim. Benefits start after the 7-day waiting period.
- 6If denied, you can request a benefit review conference with the Texas DWC. Call 1-800-372-7713.
Need help filing? Visit the Texas Workers' Comp Board or call 1-800-372-7713 for assistance.
Special Rules in Texas
- ⚠Workers' comp is VOLUNTARY for most employers
- ⚠Non-subscribing employers can be sued for negligence
- ⚠70% of average weekly wage
- ⚠Employee can choose own doctor
- ⚠Report injury within 30 days
Average Workers' Comp Settlement in Texas
Settlement amounts in Texas 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 Texas Workers' Compensation Board.
Find a Workers' Comp Attorney in Texas
Need Legal Help With Your Texas 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.
Texas Workers' Comp FAQ
Texas is the only state where workers' comp is optional for most employers. If your employer doesn't have coverage, you may be able to sue them directly.
Workers' Comp in Nearby States
Legal Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates only and is not legal advice. Workers' compensation laws and benefit amounts in Texas change frequently. Consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney in Texas 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 Texas 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.