Why AWW Matters
Every dollar of your workers' comp weekly benefit flows from your AWW. A miscalculated AWW — missing overtime, bonuses, or a second job in some states — can mean hundreds of dollars less per week for the life of your claim. Always request the wage documentation your employer submitted to the insurance carrier and verify it against your own pay records.
Common AWW Calculation Methods
52-Week Average
Most common: total gross wages over the 52 weeks before injury, divided by 52 (or by weeks actually worked if employment was shorter).
13-Week Average
Some states use a shorter look-back period (often 13 weeks) for newer employees or seasonal work patterns.
Concurrent Employment
Many states allow wages from a second job to be included in AWW if the injury prevents you from working both jobs.
Similar Employee Wage
If you worked less than a full year, some states estimate AWW using the wage of a similar employee who worked the full period.
Worked Examples
Total-wages method: James earned $48,000 in gross wages over the 52 weeks before his injury, plus $2,000 in regular overtime, and worked all 52 weeks. His AWW is ($48,000 + $2,000) ÷ 52 = $961.54/week.
Hourly method: If James instead only knew his hourly rate — $22.50/hour at 40 hours/week — a rough estimate would be $22.50 × 40 = $900/week. This is less precise than the total-wages method because it doesn't reflect actual overtime, unpaid weeks, or raises during the period.
What This Estimate Doesn't Include
This calculator applies a general formula and does not know your state's specific look-back period, concurrent-employment rules, or fringe-benefit treatment. Once you have an AWW figure, use the Weekly Benefit Calculator to see the resulting weekly benefit estimate, or read our full AWW explainer. See our About & Methodology page for how we build these formulas.
AWW FAQ
Which method should I use?
Use total wages if you have pay stubs or a W-2 covering the pre-injury period — it reflects actual earnings. Use the hourly method only as a rough estimate if you lack that documentation.
Why does AWW matter so much?
Your weekly benefit is a percentage of AWW, so an understated AWW reduces every check for the life of the claim.
Can I dispute my employer's reported AWW?
Generally yes — if wage components like overtime, bonuses, or a second job were omitted, you can typically request a review or file a dispute with your state board.