For claims made on or after 1 July 2008 the final figure is based on the amount the worker earned in the 12 months preceding the disability. This includes:
- basic wages
- allowances
- overtime (if ongoing)
- superannuation salary sacrifice.
Other income, such as Centrelink payments or bank interest, is not included in this calculation.
Example: Calculation of average weekly earnings
Joe is a builder's labourer who works part-time, as required. He worked fluctuating hours from five to 60 hours per week, but only worked 28 weeks of the year. The other 28 weeks he did not work at all. He injured himself seriously. How were his average weekly earnings calculated?
The Workers Compensation Tribunal decided that the earnings of the 28 weeks he did work should be averaged, and that would form his average weekly earnings amount.
Average weekly earnings calculator
In order to assist the calculating of AWE, we have created an 'Average weekly earnings calculator' which you need to download to your computer. Upon completion either you or your employer should then send to your case manager for consideration.
Please note: the calculator should be used as a guide only.
Before using the calculator, please download to your computer and read the instructions to identify what needs to be included.
Download calculator
What does the calculator do?
It calculates an average of all earnings of a worker over the period of employment up to 12 months preceding the injury.
The calculator is useful when a worker has earned different amounts each week and it is necessary to determine a weekly rate that reflects an average over the preceding 12 months, or lesser period if appropriate. Before using the calculator it is necessary to identify what amounts are included and excluded from the calculations of AWE.
The calculation is made as at the date of the worker's disability and the calculation must be based on the circumstances of each individual claim.