Maryland Workers Compensation Rates and Benefits for 2026
Last updated: August 22, 2026
What is the Maryland state average weekly wage for 2026?
According to the Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission (accessed August 22, 2026), the state average weekly wage (SAWW) for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2026, is $1,537.00.
This figure serves as the baseline for calculating maximum weekly benefit caps. Your actual benefit amount is calculated as a percentage of your own pre-injury average weekly wage, subject to the maximum caps tied to the SAWW.
What are the 2026 maximum weekly benefit rates?
The Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission publishes maximum weekly benefit rates for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2026 (accessed August 22, 2026):
Maryland Workers Compensation Maximum Weekly Benefits (2026)
| Benefit Type | Calculation Formula | Maximum Weekly Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Total Disability (TTD) | 2/3 of Average Weekly Wage, capped at 100% SAWW | $1,537.00 |
| Permanent Total Disability (PTD) | 2/3 of Average Weekly Wage, capped at 100% SAWW | $1,537.00 |
| Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) | 50% of wage difference, capped at 50% SAWW | $769.00 |
| Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) < 75 weeks | 1/3 of Average Weekly Wage, capped at 16.7% SAWW | $257.00 |
| Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) 75-249 weeks | 2/3 of Average Weekly Wage, capped at one-third of SAWW | $513.00 |
| Serious Disability Benefits (250+ weeks) | 2/3 of Average Weekly Wage, capped at 75% SAWW | $1,153.00 |
Source: Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission, Workers' Compensation Benefit Rates (accessed August 22, 2026)
Note: The minor disability category (under 75 weeks) does not apply to certain public safety employees per Maryland Labor and Employment Article § 9-628(a).
What is the mileage reimbursement rate for 2026?
According to the Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission (accessed August 22, 2026), the mileage reimbursement rate effective January 1, 2026, is 72.5 cents per mile.
This rate applies to compensable medical travel when mileage reimbursement is owed for attending authorized medical appointments related to your workers compensation claim.
How are benefit rates calculated?
Maryland workers compensation benefits are calculated using two key figures:
Your Average Weekly Wage (AWW): Calculated based on your earnings in the period before the injury. Your benefits are a percentage of your AWW (typically two-thirds for temporary total disability).
State Average Weekly Wage (SAWW): The statewide figure ($1,537.00 for 2026) sets the maximum caps. Your benefit cannot exceed the maximum, even if your AWW is very high.
Example: If you earned $3,000 per week before injury, two-thirds of your AWW would be $2,000. However, temporary total disability benefits for 2026 injuries are capped at $1,537.00, so that is the maximum you would receive per week.
Conversely, if you earned $900 per week, two-thirds is $600—since this is below the cap, you would receive $600 per week in temporary total disability benefits.
What is permanent partial disability tiering?
Maryland uses a tiered system for permanent partial disability benefits based on the duration of the award:
- Minor disability (under 75 weeks): Lower maximum weekly benefit of $257.00
- Mid-level disability (75-249 weeks): Moderate maximum weekly benefit of $513.00
- Serious disability (250+ weeks): Higher maximum weekly benefit of $1,153.00
The tier that applies to your case depends on the total number of weeks of benefits you are awarded based on your impairment rating and the body part injured. Scheduled member injuries (e.g., arm, leg, hand, foot, eye) have pre-set durations listed in the statute.
Is there an average settlement amount for Maryland workers comp claims?
No official statewide average settlement figure is published by the Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission. Settlement amounts vary dramatically based on individual factors:
- Pre-injury wages: Higher earners receive proportionally higher weekly benefits (up to the maximum cap)
- Permanent impairment rating: Physician-assigned ratings determine the number of weeks of benefits
- Body part injured: Scheduled member awards have fixed durations; industrial loss awards vary
- Time off work: Duration of temporary disability benefits depends on recovery time
- Medical costs: Costs vary based on treatment type (conservative vs. surgical)
- Permanent restrictions: Vocational impact and earning capacity affect settlement value
For broader context on national claim cost data and factors that influence workers compensation settlement values across all states, see our guide on average workers compensation settlement amounts by injury type. That guide includes NCCI national data but does not contain Maryland-specific settlement figures (because no official Maryland average is published).
Where do these rates come from?
The Maryland Department of Labor calculates the state average weekly wage annually based on unemployment insurance data for the fiscal year ending the prior June 30. For 2026 rates, the calculation used data from the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.
The Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission publishes the updated SAWW and all derivative benefit caps each January 1. The rate that applies to your claim is locked in based on your date of injury and does not change even if the SAWW increases in subsequent years.
The sole exception is the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for permanent total disability benefits, which adjusts the payment amount annually (but not the cap itself).
Where can I find prior years' rates?
The Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission benefit rates page maintains a historical table of state average weekly wages and benefit limits going back to 2013. Historical rates matter because the rate in effect on your date of injury governs your entire claim.
When should I consult a Maryland workers compensation attorney?
Consider legal representation if:
- Your claim is denied
- Employer disputes the injury is work-related
- Benefits are delayed or terminated
- You suffer permanent disability
- Settlement offer seems inadequate given your impairment rating and the applicable rate schedule
- Medical treatment is denied
Most Maryland workers compensation attorneys work on contingency. Verify attorney licenses with the Attorney Grievance Commission of Maryland before hiring. Most offer free initial consultations.