NYS Average Weekly Wage (AWW) Calculator

Average Weekly Wage (AWW) is the foundation of all New York workers' compensation benefits. Under Workers' Compensation Law §14, AWW determines the compensation rate — two-thirds (2/3) of AWW, capped at the statutory maximum set annually by DFS.

§14(1) — 52-Week Divisor: For workers employed substantially the whole year, total gross earnings in the 52 weeks preceding the accident are divided by 52. This is the default method for full-time, full-year workers.

§14(2) — Day-Based Multiplier: When the claimant did NOT work substantially the whole year, average annual earnings are computed by multiplying the average daily wage by a statutory multiplier based on the claimant's regular work schedule:

Straight Divisor (Board Discretion): When the statutory multiplier methods do not yield a fair result — for instance, with seasonal workers, irregular schedules, new hires, or part-year employment — the Board may use a straight divisor: Total Earnings ÷ Actual Weeks Worked. This is the most commonly litigated AWW calculation.

Concurrent Employment: Under §14, wages from all concurrent employment at the time of injury are combined. If the claimant held two jobs, both sets of wages are included — even if only one employer's work caused the injury.

Why It Matters: AWW directly controls the comp rate, which flows into every benefit calculation: temporary total, reduced earnings, SLU awards, CCP awards, and fee applications. Getting the AWW right is the single most important number in the case.

What is the Average Weekly Wage (AWW) in NY workers' comp?

Your AWW is your gross earnings for the 52 weeks before the injury converted to a weekly figure under WCL §14. Nearly every benefit in your case — weekly checks capped at the statutory maximum rate, Schedule Loss of Use (SLU) awards, and LWEC classifications — is computed from two-thirds of it.

Which WCL §14 method applies to me?

It depends on your work pattern: the 260 multiplier for five-day workers and 300 for six-day workers who worked substantially the whole year, the 200 minimum multiplier for seasonal work, or a straight 52-week divisor. The calculator applies the statutory methods and shows each result.

Does overtime or a second job count toward AWW?

Yes — AWW is based on gross earnings including overtime. Wages from concurrent employment (a second job) may also be added under WCL §14(6) when the injury disables you from both jobs.