Iowa · Workers comp · Updated 2026

Iowa workers comp calculator, 80% formula

Iowa caps the weekly workers comp benefit at $2161.00 with a minimum of $343.00. The calculator below uses the real Iowa schedule to estimate TTD, TPD, and PPD lump-sum settlements.

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Real 2025 state caps and minimums. Computes TTD, TPD, and PPD lump-sum estimates. Updates as you type.

State

Pre-injury weekly wage ($)

Disability type

Weeks of disability so far: 26

Body part injured (for PPD lump-sum estimate)

Your workers comp estimate

$24,960 – $24,960

Iowa · 80% of weekly wage

Weekly benefit: $960
Total indemnity (so far): $24,960
PPD lump-sum range: $0 – $0
After 20% attorney fee (typical WC): $19,968 – $19,968
STATE MAXIMUM WEEKLY: $2,161

Estimates only. Real workers comp settlements depend on your state's specific schedules, the insurer's impairment rating dispute, and your attorney's negotiation. Use this number as a starting point.

Iowa workers comp at a glance

Iowa workers compensation key figures (2025). Source: Iowa Workers Compensation Board.
Maximum weekly benefit	$2161.00
Minimum weekly benefit	$343.00
Benefit formula	80% of average weekly wage
Max weeks (TTD)	No statutory limit
Statute of limitations	2 years from injury
Average settlement	~$52,000
Official source	Iowa Workers Compensation Board

Last verified 2025-01-15. Workers comp rates adjust annually in most states; verify the current year's rate at the Iowa WC Board website.

Iowa — what makes it different

Iowa uses 80% of spendable (after-tax) weekly wage. Highest max weekly in the nation.

Real example: how the Iowa cap works

A worker earning $4322/week in Iowa (above-average wage):

Raw formula: $4322 × 80% = $3457.60/week
Iowa cap kicks in: $2161.00/week
Effective replacement rate: 50.0% of pre-injury wage (not 80%)

For a 26-week disability, that's $56,186 in total TTD benefits — substantially less than what 80% of full wage would pay.

If a third party contributed to the injury, the difference between full wage and capped benefit becomes part of a separate third-party personal injury claim.

Compare other states

Iowa vs other states

Workers comp varies dramatically by state. Compare Iowa's $2161.00 weekly cap and 80% formula against the other 11 priority states:

California

Max $1,619/wk · 66.67%

Texas

Max $1,135/wk · 70%

Florida

Max $1,295/wk · 66.67%

New York

Max $1,145/wk · 66.67%

Illinois

Max $1,898/wk · 66.67%

Pennsylvania

Max $1,273/wk · 66.67%

Ohio

Max $1,198/wk · 72%

Georgia

Max $800/wk · 66.67%

North Carolina

Max $1,330/wk · 66.67%

Michigan

Max $1,220/wk · 80%

New Jersey

Max $1,131/wk · 70%

Virginia

Max $1,410/wk · 66.67%

Missouri

Max $1,109/wk · 66.67%

Oklahoma

Max $1,004/wk · 70%

Maryland

Max $1,389/wk · 66.67%

Indiana

Max $818/wk · 66.67%

Tennessee

Max $1,190/wk · 66.67%

Kentucky

Max $1,118/wk · 66.67%

All 50 states with 2025 caps →

Q&A

Frequently asked questions

01 What is the maximum workers comp weekly benefit in Iowa?

The maximum weekly workers comp benefit in Iowa is $2161.00 (2025). The minimum is $343.00. Iowa uses the 80% formula to calculate weekly benefits, capped at the maximum. Source: Iowa Workers Compensation Board.

02 How is workers comp calculated in Iowa?

Iowa calculates workers comp at 80% of your average weekly wage, subject to the state's $2161.00 weekly maximum and $343.00 minimum. Temporary Total Disability (TTD) is capped at unlimited weeks while you remain disabled. Iowa uses 80% of spendable (after-tax) weekly wage. Highest max weekly in the nation.

03 What is the statute of limitations for workers comp in Iowa?

Iowa: 2 years from injury. Missing the deadline ends the claim with rare exceptions. File the claim or consult an attorney well before the deadline.

04 What is the average workers comp settlement in Iowa?

The approximate average workers comp settlement in Iowa is $52,000 (per NCCI and state board data, for lost-time claims). Surgical cases settle substantially higher. Use the calculator above with your specific wage and body part for a state-tuned estimate.

05 How is workers comp calculated?

Most states pay two-thirds (66.67%) of your pre-injury average weekly wage, capped at the state maximum. A few states use different formulas: Texas and Oklahoma pay 70%, New Jersey 70%, Connecticut and Rhode Island 75% (of after-tax), Iowa and Michigan 80% (of after-tax), Massachusetts and New Hampshire 60%. Every state sets an annual maximum that high earners hit quickly.

06 What is the average workers comp settlement?

The national average lost-time workers comp settlement is approximately $42,008 (NCCI 2021 data). But variance is huge — back surgeries settle at $80,000–$300,000, while soft-tissue strains settle at $15,000–$40,000. Your state matters significantly. Illinois average is ~$76,000; Mississippi ~$28,000.