Wisconsin Workers' Comp Benefits Calculator 2026
Injured at work in Wisconsin? You may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. Wisconsin pays 66.7% of your average weekly wage as a weekly benefit, up to a maximum of $1,621/week. Use our free calculator below to estimate your weekly workers' comp benefit in 60 seconds — no email required.
Wisconsin has a high maximum weekly benefit. All employers with 3+ employees must carry coverage.
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.
Wisconsin Workers' Comp Maximum Weekly Benefit 2026
The Wisconsin maximum weekly workers' compensation benefit for 2026 is $1,621 per week. Benefits are paid at 66.7% of AWW. The minimum is $30/week.
Wisconsin has no cap on TTD duration — benefits continue as long as you remain unable to work, up to your reaching maximum medical improvement (MMI).
Wisconsin Workers' Comp Key Facts — 2026
| Maximum Weekly Benefit | $1,621/week |
| Minimum Weekly Benefit | $324/week |
| Benefit Rate | 66.7% of AWW |
| Waiting Period | 3 days |
| Retroactive After | 7 days |
| Filing Deadline | 730 days from injury |
| Max Duration (TTD) | 104 weeks |
| State Average Weekly Wage | $1,138/week |
| WC Board Phone | 1-608-266-1340 |
Source: Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Board. Rates effective 2026.
Workers' Compensation in Wisconsin: Key Numbers for 2026
State Avg Weekly Wage
$1,138
Max Weekly Benefit
$1,621
Benefit Rate
66.7%
Max Duration
104w
Common Workplace Injuries in Wisconsin — Average Compensation
Based on Wisconsin's average weekly wage of $1,138 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 | $15,725 | $22,761 | $38,486 |
| Shoulder Injury | $12,828 | $16,692 | $29,520 |
| Knee Injury | $11,173 | $13,657 | $24,830 |
| Neck / Whiplash | $9,518 | $12,139 | $21,657 |
| Carpal Tunnel / Wrist | $5,793 | $8,346 | $14,139 |
| Fracture (Arm/Leg) | $7,656 | $10,622 | $18,278 |
| Head / Concussion | $14,277 | $18,209 | $32,486 |
Estimates based on Wisconsin 2026 workers' comp benefit rate (66.7% of AWW, capped at $1,621/week) and NCCI injury cost data. Actual compensation varies based on injury severity, impairment rating, and medical documentation.
How Much is Workers' Comp in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, workers' comp pays 66.7% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $1,621/week. The minimum weekly benefit is $324/week.Wisconsin has a 3-day waiting period before benefits begin, and TTD benefits can last up to 104 weeks.
Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Rates 2026
Workers' comp insurance rates in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
The cost of workers compensation insurance in Wisconsin depends on three factors: your industry class code, your total annual payroll, and your experience modification rate. Here's what typical Wisconsin 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 | $2,900 |
| Warehouse / Logistics | $3,980 |
| Construction (General) | $5,690 |
| Roofing (Highest Class) | $12,930 |
*Per-employee estimate based on Wisconsin's average weekly wage of $1,138. 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 Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, workers' comp benefits are 66.67% of your average weekly wage. Wisconsin has a high maximum weekly benefit of $1,621 and a minimum of $324. If you earn $1,200 per week, your benefit would be $1,200 x 66.67% = $800 per week, which is well within the Wisconsin range.
Wisconsin has a 3-day waiting period. If your disability lasts more than 7 days, those first 3 days are paid retroactively -- a relatively quick trigger. TTD benefits last up to 104 weeks.
Wisconsin's high maximum benefit means most workers will not be capped. Benefits are tax-free.
Wisconsin Workers' Comp Laws You Must Know
- •Wisconsin employers with 3 or more employees must carry workers' comp insurance.
- •Employees in Wisconsin can choose their own treating physician.
- •Wisconsin has a 2-year statute of limitations for filing claims.
- •The maximum weekly benefit of $1,621 is among the highest in the Midwest.
- •Benefits are 66.67% of AWW.
- •The 7-day retroactive trigger is relatively quick.
- •Employers cannot retaliate against workers who file claims in Wisconsin.
How to File a Workers' Comp Claim in Wisconsin
- 1Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Wisconsin requires timely notification.
- 2See a doctor of your choosing. Wisconsin allows you to pick your own physician.
- 3Your employer must file a First Report of Injury with the Wisconsin Division of Workers' Compensation.
- 4The insurer will accept or deny the claim. Benefits start after the 3-day waiting period.
- 5If denied, file a hearing application with the Wisconsin Division of Workers' Compensation at 1-608-266-1340.
Need help filing? Visit the Wisconsin Workers' Comp Board or call 1-608-266-1340 for assistance.
Special Rules in Wisconsin
- ⚠Employers with 3+ employees must have coverage
- ⚠Employee can choose own doctor
- ⚠2-year statute of limitations
- ⚠Quick 7-day retroactive period
Average Workers' Comp Settlement in Wisconsin
Settlement amounts in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Board.
Find a Workers' Comp Attorney in Wisconsin
Need Legal Help With Your Wisconsin 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.
Wisconsin Workers' Comp FAQ
Wisconsin has a high maximum weekly benefit. All employers with 3+ employees 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 Wisconsin change frequently. Consult a licensed workers' compensation attorney in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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.