How is my average weekly wage calculated for workers comp in Minnesota?

Under Minn. Stat. § 176.011, subd. 18, your Average Weekly Wage (AWW) is generally calculated by dividing your total gross earnings over a defined lookback period (commonly the 26 weeks before your injury) by the number of weeks in that period. The statute includes multiple methods and exceptions depending on your employment situation—for example, concurrent employment, seasonal work, or recent job changes. Overtime, tips, and certain fringe benefits may be included. Your AWW is the foundation for all wage-loss benefits (TTD, TPD, PTD). This is general information, not legal advice.

What income counts for workers comp benefits in Minnesota?

Under Minn. Stat. § 176.011, subd. 18, gross wages from the injured worker's employment generally count toward the AWW calculation. This includes regular wages, overtime pay, tips, commissions, and the value of certain fringe benefits like employer-provided health insurance or housing. Income from concurrent employment with another employer at the time of injury may also be included. Self-employment income and investment income typically do not count. The exact calculation depends on the specific facts of your employment. This is general information, not legal advice.

What is the 26-week lookback period for workers comp wages in Minnesota?

The 26-week lookback is a commonly discussed reference period for calculating AWW under Minn. Stat. § 176.011, subd. 18. Generally, the statute looks at earnings in the weeks preceding the injury to determine your average weekly wage. If you worked fewer than 26 weeks, the actual weeks worked may be used. The statute contains multiple provisions and exceptions depending on the employment situation, so the actual calculation period may vary. This is general information, not legal advice.

Does overtime count toward my workers comp AWW in Minnesota?

Yes, overtime pay is generally included in the AWW calculation under Minn. Stat. § 176.011, subd. 18. Your gross earnings—including overtime, shift differentials, and premium pay—from the lookback period are used to compute the average. However, the calculation uses actual gross earnings divided by weeks worked, so weeks with unusually high overtime may raise your AWW, which in turn increases your weekly benefit rate. This is general information, not legal advice.

In Minnesota, your Average Weekly Wage (AWW) is often based on your gross wages over a defined lookback period (commonly discussed as the 26 weeks before injury), divided by the number of weeks covered. The statute has additional rules and exceptions depending on the facts.

• Based on Minn. Stat. § 176.011 subd. 18
• You can enter weekly wages, annual salary, or upload pay period data
• Save a receipt (print / PDF) and download a spreadsheet (Excel)

MN DLI rate table PDF Minn. Stat. § 176.011 subd. 18 All sources

Rates verified through 2025-10-01. Reviewed by Dan Swenson, Minnesota workers' comp attorney.

Rates verified through: 2025-10-01

Average Weekly Wage (AWW) Calculator

Name: MN AWW Calculator
Author: Dan Swenson

Your AWW is the base for most workers' comp benefits. The statute often looks to wage history (commonly discussed as 26 weeks before injury), but the correct method depends on the facts—this tool computes a plain average from what you enter.

Enter each paycheck. Use gross pay (before taxes, not your take-home). If you use dates, every row must include both a start and end date. If you don't use dates, leave them blank and enter weeks covered below.

Check #1

Regular

Overtime

Bonus

From date

To date

Total gross for this check: $0.00

Check #2

Regular

Overtime

Bonus

From date

To date

Total gross for this check: $0.00

Weeks covered (only if you are not using dates)

If you leave dates blank, enter the number of weeks these checks cover (commonly 26 weeks immediately before injury, but it varies).

This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Results are estimates based on Minnesota workers' compensation law as of the rates shown. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.

What is AWW?

Average Weekly Wage (AWW) is the foundation of your workers' comp benefits. Minn. Stat. § 176.011, subd. 18 contains multiple methods and exceptions depending on the employment situation. In many straightforward cases it resembles an average of recent gross wages over a lookback period (often described as 26 weeks). Your TTD, TPD, PTD, and many other benefits are based on AWW.

Learn about TTD benefits →