How much is a back injury worth in Arizona workers' comp?
There is no fixed dollar amount for a back injury in Arizona. Unscheduled; paid monthly at 55% of the loss of earning capacity. Below: the exact rule, the 2026 weekly maximum ($943.23) and what to ask for before you accept an offer.
How a back injury is paid in Arizona
Unscheduled; paid monthly at 55% of the loss of earning capacity.
General rule for permanent injuries in Arizona: 55% of the difference between pre-injury average monthly wage and reduced monthly earning capacity, paid monthly.
What is different in Arizona
Arizona's schedule is in months, not weeks, and pays more for the dominant ('major') arm and hand than the minor one. Scheduled awards rise from 50% to 75% of average monthly wage if the worker cannot return to the job held at the time of injury.
Back injuries: information needed to value the claim
Separate the diagnosis (for example, a strain, disc injury or surgery) from the permanent rating. Ask for the medical report identifying the spinal region, any nerve involvement, lasting work restrictions and whether maximum medical improvement has been reached. A diagnosis or surgery alone is not a dollar amount.
How to check an offer when there is no fixed figure
This page cannot reliably estimate a permanent award from the injury name and wage alone. The state rule above identifies whether lost earnings, a special rating method or another category applies. To check an offer, request the calculation used, injury date, accepted wage, applicable rating and benefits still outstanding. The weekly calculator below estimates only temporary total disability under its assumptions; it does not value the settlement. See the state benefit overview.
Settlement value vs. the statutory award
The statutory benefit described here and a settlement value are different figures. Request an itemized proposal identifying the benefits included, amounts already paid, deductions, future medical treatment and rights being resolved. Which benefits can be settled and what approval is required depend on state rules. This page does not calculate future medical costs or predict a negotiated outcome.
While you recover: temporary disability in Arizona
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of average monthly wage (AMW) |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $943.23 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | No statutory minimum found |
| Waiting period | 7 days |
| Waiting days paid back after | 14 days of disability |
| Time limit on temporary benefits | No fixed week limit in statute |
Estimate your weekly check
Assumes temporary total disability and no post-injury work earnings. It does not calculate partial disability, retroactive payments, offsets or special low-wage rules. Confirm the injury date and the insurer's wage calculation.
Arizona caps the average monthly wage ($6,131 for 2026); the weekly maximum shown is the equivalent weekly amount.
Frequently asked questions
How is a back injury paid in Arizona workers' comp?
Unscheduled; paid monthly at 55% of the loss of earning capacity.
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in Arizona in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $943.23 (2026-01-01 to 2026-12-31).
Is there a waiting period in Arizona?
Yes. Arizona does not pay the first 7 days of lost time, but pays them back once disability lasts more than 14 days.
Which law sets these amounts?
A.R.S. §§23-1041, 23-1044, 23-1045, 23-1062. The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in Arizona
Law and official sources
Official sources
Statute: A.R.S. §§23-1041, 23-1044, 23-1045, 23-1062; A.R.S. §23-1044(B), (C)
- Industrial Commission of Arizona (official site)
- azica.gov/claims-amw-statutory-maximum-information-page
- azleg.gov/ars/23/01044.htm
- azleg.gov/ars/23/01062.htm
- secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0452150045
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the Arizona workers' compensation agency.
Estimate only. Your real award depends on your doctor's rating, your wage records, offsets and settlement terms. This page is general information, not legal advice.