Washington Workers' Comp Benefits Calculator 2026
Injured at work in Washington? You may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. Washington pays 60.0% of your average weekly wage as a weekly benefit, up to a maximum of $1,697/week. Use our free calculator below to estimate your weekly workers' comp benefit in 60 seconds — no email required.
Washington has a state-run workers' comp system (L&I). Benefits are 60% of wages, tax-free. Among the highest maximums.
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.
Washington Workers' Comp Key Facts — 2026
| Maximum Weekly Benefit | $1,697/week |
| Minimum Weekly Benefit | $339/week |
| Benefit Rate | 60.0% of AWW |
| Waiting Period | 3 days |
| Retroactive After | 14 days |
| Filing Deadline | 365 days from injury |
| Max Duration (TTD) | 104 weeks |
| State Average Weekly Wage | $1,390/week |
| WC Board Phone | 1-800-547-8367 |
Source: Washington Workers' Compensation Board. Rates effective 2026.
Workers' Compensation in Washington: Key Numbers for 2026
State Avg Weekly Wage
$1,390
Max Weekly Benefit
$1,697
Benefit Rate
60.0%
Max Duration
104w
Common Workplace Injuries in Washington — Average Compensation
Based on Washington's average weekly wage of $1,390 and the state's 60.0% 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 | $19,207 | $25,020 | $44,227 |
| Shoulder Injury | $15,669 | $18,348 | $34,017 |
| Knee Injury | $13,647 | $15,012 | $28,659 |
| Neck / Whiplash | $11,625 | $13,344 | $24,969 |
| Carpal Tunnel / Wrist | $7,076 | $9,174 | $16,250 |
| Fracture (Arm/Leg) | $9,351 | $11,676 | $21,027 |
| Head / Concussion | $17,438 | $20,016 | $37,454 |
Estimates based on Washington 2026 workers' comp benefit rate (60.0% of AWW, capped at $1,697/week) and NCCI injury cost data. Actual compensation varies based on injury severity, impairment rating, and medical documentation.
How Much is Workers' Comp in Washington?
In Washington, workers' comp pays 60.0% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $1,697/week. The minimum weekly benefit is $339/week.Washington has a 3-day waiting period before benefits begin, and TTD benefits can last up to 104 weeks.
Washington Workers' Compensation Rates 2026
Workers' comp insurance rates in Washington 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 Washington?
The cost of workers compensation insurance in Washington depends on three factors: your industry class code, your total annual payroll, and your experience modification rate. Here's what typical Washington businesses pay annually for $100,000 in payroll:
| Industry | Annual Cost per $100K Payroll |
|---|---|
| Office / Clerical | $440 |
| Retail / Sales | $1,070 |
| Restaurant / Food Service | $1,900 |
| Healthcare | $2,210 |
| Manufacturing | $3,540 |
| Warehouse / Logistics | $4,870 |
| Construction (General) | $6,950 |
| Roofing (Highest Class) | $15,800 |
*Per-employee estimate based on Washington's average weekly wage of $1,390. 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 Washington
In Washington, workers' comp operates through a state-run system managed by the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Benefits are 60% of your wages, and importantly, they are tax-free. The maximum weekly benefit is $1,697 and the minimum is $339. If you earn $1,200 per week, your benefit would be $1,200 x 60% = $720 per week.
Washington has a 3-day waiting period. If your disability lasts more than 14 days, those 3 days are paid retroactively. TTD benefits last up to 104 weeks.
Because Washington's workers' comp benefits are tax-free, the 60% rate effectively replaces more of your take-home pay than it might appear. The state also has one of the highest maximum weekly benefits in the nation.
Washington Workers' Comp Laws You Must Know
- •Washington has a state-monopoly workers' comp system run by the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).
- •Washington pays 60% of wages, tax-free.
- •The maximum weekly benefit of $1,697 is among the highest in the nation.
- •Employees in Washington can choose their own treating physician.
- •Washington has a 1-year statute of limitations for filing claims.
- •Large employers in Washington may qualify to self-insure.
- •Employers cannot retaliate against workers who file claims in Washington.
How to File a Workers' Comp Claim in Washington
- 1Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible.
- 2See a doctor of your choosing. Washington allows you to pick your own physician.
- 3File a claim with L&I. Your doctor can file on your behalf, or you can file directly with L&I.
- 4L&I will investigate and accept or deny the claim. Benefits start after the 3-day waiting period.
- 5If denied, you can file a protest or appeal with the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals. Call 1-800-547-8367.
Need help filing? Visit the Washington Workers' Comp Board or call 1-800-547-8367 for assistance.
Special Rules in Washington
- ⚠State-monopoly system (L&I Department)
- ⚠60% of wages (benefits are tax-free)
- ⚠Employee can choose own doctor
- ⚠1-year statute of limitations
- ⚠Self-insured option for large employers
Average Workers' Comp Settlement in Washington
Settlement amounts in Washington 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 Washington Workers' Compensation Board.
Find a Workers' Comp Attorney in Washington
Need Legal Help With Your Washington 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.
Washington Workers' Comp FAQ
Washington has a state-run workers' comp system (L&I). Benefits are 60% of wages, tax-free. Among the highest maximums.
Workers' Comp in Nearby States
Legal Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates only and is not legal advice. Workers' compensation laws and benefit amounts in Washington change frequently. Consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney in Washington 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 Washington 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.