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Why State Benefit Rates Differ
Workers' compensation is regulated at the state level, not federally, so each state legislature sets its own benefit percentage and weekly maximum. Most states pay around two-thirds (66.67%) of AWW, but several set a different percentage — for example, some states use 60% while others use 70% or calculate against after-tax wages. Weekly maximums are usually tied to that state's own average wage statistics and are updated on a regular cycle, often annually.
Worked Example
A worker earning $1,000/week average would receive an estimated $666.70/week in a state paying 66.67% with no cap issue, versus $700.00/week in a state paying a flat 70% — a meaningful difference before any cap is even applied. This tool shows that kind of side-by-side gap directly, using your own AWW.
What This Comparison Doesn't Tell You
A higher percentage or weekly cap doesn't necessarily mean a "better" system overall — waiting periods, PPD/PTD schedules, medical-treatment rules, and how disputes are resolved all vary by state too, and none of those are reflected here. If you were injured while working across state lines or for an employer based in another state, which state's law applies can itself be a factual question — check with your state's workers' compensation board. For your own weekly benefit estimate, use the Weekly Benefit Calculator; for background on our formulas, see the About & Methodology page.