North Carolina workers' comp: how much does it pay?

Temporary total disability rate, weekly maximum and waiting period for North Carolina, read from the state's own published figures.

North Carolina temporary total disability at a glance

For injuries from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026, North Carolina pays temporary total disability at 66 2/3% of the average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $1,446.00 a week and a minimum of $30.00 a week. The cap starts to limit the benefit at an average weekly wage of about $2,169.

Benefit rate66 2/3% of the average weekly wage
Maximum weekly benefit$1,446.00
How the maximum is setSet each year effective January 1
Minimum weekly benefit$30.00
Applies to injuriesfrom January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026
Waiting periodNorth Carolina does not pay for the first seven calendar days of disability, but if the disability lasts more than 21 days compensation is paid from the date of disability (N.C.G.S. 97-28).

Run your own numbers with the North Carolina rules →

North Carolina temporary total disability benefits: the same figures and limitations listed in the text.
A visual summary of the examples below. The text, applicable periods, sources and limitations on this page govern.

What North Carolina pays at different wages

Calculated from the rate, maximum and minimum above for an eligible worker with temporary total disability. Above about $2,169 a week, every extra dollar of wage adds nothing to the benefit.

$500 a week$333.33 (67% of wage)
$800 a week$533.33 (67% of wage)
$1,200 a week$800.00 (67% of wage)
$1,600 a week$1,066.67 (67% of wage)
$2,000 a week$1,333.33 (67% of wage)
$3,000 a week$1,446.00 (48% of wage)

How North Carolina sets the benefit

Temporary total disability is generally limited to 500 weeks from the date of first disability unless extended under section 97-29(c).

The $30 weekly minimum applies until July 1, 2027, when Session Law 2026-14 raises it to $50.

These figures are for temporary total disability only. Partial, permanent and death benefits use different rules and caps, and eligibility, the average weekly wage calculation and the injury date all have to be confirmed with the claims administrator or the North Carolina Industrial Commission.

Frequently asked questions

How much does workers' comp pay in North Carolina?

For injuries from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026, North Carolina pays temporary total disability at 66 2/3% of the average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $1,446.00 a week and a minimum of $30.00 a week. The cap starts to limit the benefit at an average weekly wage of about $2,169.

What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in North Carolina?

$1,446.00 a week for temporary total disability, for injuries from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026. Set each year effective January 1. The maximum that applies is the one in force on your date of injury, not today.

Is there a waiting period for workers' comp in North Carolina?

North Carolina does not pay for the first seven calendar days of disability, but if the disability lasts more than 21 days compensation is paid from the date of disability (N.C.G.S. 97-28).

Are North Carolina workers' comp benefits taxed?

Generally not by the federal government: IRS Publication 525 says workers' compensation for an occupational sickness or injury is not included in income, with a narrow exception for amounts treated as a pension based on years of service.

Workers' comp in other states

California · Florida · Georgia · Illinois · Michigan · Missouri · New Jersey · New York · Ohio · Pennsylvania · Texas · Virginia

Compare all states side by side · Workers' comp benefit calculator

Sources & further reading

Figures read from the official sources below and checked: October 20, 2026. Worked examples are our calculations, not benefit awards.