Average Workers’ Compensation for Construction Workers in California 2025

By Marc S. Wiesner

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Work Comp Benefits

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Last Modified on Nov 04, 2025

Construction is a crucial industry in California with countless potential for accidents. An injury on the job can leave you with serious, life-altering injuries. When filing for benefits, you may wonder what the average workers’ compensation for construction workers in California is. Wiesner English, P.C. is here to help you understand the typical amount of compensation other California workers receive.

About Us

At Wiesner English, P.C., we’ve spent years assisting the people of San Jose, Los Angeles, and throughout California with their workers’ compensation claims. Our lead attorneys, Tim W. English and Marc S. Wiesner, were born and raised in the state and are dedicated to giving back to their community. Their legal accomplishments have earned them Client’s Choice and Top Contributor awards from Avvo.

Overview of Workers’ Compensation for Construction Workers in California

The construction industry is one of the largest industries in California. In August 2025, the Employment Development Department reported 893,000 employees working in the construction field. It is also one of the most dangerous occupations, with a 2023 study showing an average of 3.2 non-fatal injuries and illnesses per 100 workers. That same year, the industry saw 54 fatal work injuries, the 4th highest out of reported labor categories.

Accidents can occur at any moment on a work site. Common injuries and accidents for construction workers include:

• Slips and falls
• Struck by an object, such as a falling tool or piece of equipment
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals
• Respiratory issues
• Electrical shocks or burns
• Overexertion
• Heat stroke
• Hearing loss

What Is the Average Workers’ Compensation in California?

California does not have a set average for the benefits an injured worker can receive. The amount you are paid and how long you receive compensation are based on how much the injury affects your life. The following are the types of workers’ compensation in California, and what you may expect:

Medical Benefits

Medical benefits are to cover all necessary medical care and do not account for lost income. There is no limit for what you may receive and no average, as the amount depends on the nature and severity of the injury.

Temporary Disability

Temporary Disability (TD) is designed for workers whose injuries temporarily keep them from working. The benefits you receive are two-thirds of your average wages before taxes. TD payments begin if you cannot do your usual work duties for more than three days, or if you are hospitalized overnight.

The payments continue until you return to work at full capabilities or your doctor declares you have reached your maximum medical improvement (MMI).

When you are unable to do any work, it is called Temporary Total Disability (TTD). New guidelines for 2025 set the minimum TTD rate at $252.03 and the maximum at $1,680.29 per week.

Permanent Disability Benefits

Permanent disability (PD) benefits are paid when an injury is severe enough to impair a worker after reaching their MMI. Your doctor assigns you a percent rating for your level of impairment, then multiplies that number by 1.4 to find your Whole Person Impairment (WPI). This final figure establishes your weekly benefits, which range from $160 to $290.

PD workers’ compensation lasts based on your WPI. Those with a WPI of 100 are paid for life. These payments are based on the statewide average weekly wage (SAWW), which increases each year.

Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Navigating the often confusing world of workers’ compensation can be challenging to do alone, especially when recovering from a serious injury. Hire a workers’ compensation lawyer to help you with the process.

Your California workers’ compensation attorney can assist you in every aspect of your case. They can file your initial claim to the Division of Workers’ Compensation for you while you focus on recovery. If denied, your attorney can draft the appeal documents and negotiate a settlement, or if an agreement cannot be reached, they can represent you in court.

FAQs

How Are Workers’ Compensation Benefits Calculated in California?

How your workers’ compensation benefits are calculated in California depends on the level of injury you have. If you qualify for temporary disability payments, the general figure is two-thirds of your average weekly wage. For permanent disability workers’ compensation cases, the benefits are based on your WPI established by your doctor.

What Are the New Workers’ Compensation Laws for California in 2025?

The new workers’ compensation laws in California set a new standard for temporary total disability payments. The new guidelines set a minimum of $252.03 and a maximum of $1,680.29 per week. These figures have been updated to match the state average weekly wage, which increased by 3.77588% between 2023 and 2024.

What Is the Average Workers’ Compensation Payout in California?

In California, there is no average workers’ compensation payout. The amount and type of benefits you receive are based on your injuries, along with how long you continue to get paid. Those with temporary impairment receive less than those with permanent disabilities. A workers’ compensation attorney can provide an estimate of the benefits you may receive.

How Long Do Workers’ Compensation Benefits Last in California?

How long your workers’ compensation benefits may last in California is based on the severity of your injuries and the type of compensation you receive. For temporary disability, it lasts until you can return to work. For permanent disability, the payments continue based on the WPI established by your doctor. If you have a WPI rating of 100, workers’ compensation lasts the rest of your life.

Speak With a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today

Our team at Wiesner English, P.C., is here to help you with your workers’ compensation claim, whether you work for Swinerton, DPR Construction, or any other construction company in the Golden State. We have the legal knowledge and experience that can make a positive impact on your case.

Contact us today for an initial consultation, where we can learn your story and discuss what compensation you may be eligible for. You may also visit our San Jose office, located on Hamilton Avenue, a few blocks east of Highway 17 and eBay’s corporate campus.