How much is hearing loss worth in South Dakota workers' comp?
South Dakota pays a scheduled permanent partial disability award for hearing loss: the law sets total loss at 150 weeks.
How hearing loss is paid in South Dakota
Each week is paid at 66.67% of your average weekly wage, up to $1,152 a week, with a minimum of $576 a week (or your full wage if it is lower).
If your doctor rates a partial loss of use, the award is generally that percentage of the scheduled weeks. A 25% rating works out to 37.5 weeks.
What is different in South Dakota
PPD is paid by applying the doctor's impairment percentage to the weeks listed for the body part, or to 312 weeks for the body as a whole. Employers in South Dakota are not legally required to carry workers' compensation insurance.
Worked examples
| Rating | $800 weekly wage | $1,200 weekly wage | $1,600 weekly wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% loss of use | $8,640 | $12,001 | $16,001 |
| 25% loss of use | $21,600 | $30,002 | $40,002 |
| 50% loss of use | $43,200 | $60,003 | $80,004 |
| 100% loss of use | $86,400 | $120,006 | $160,008 |
Calculate your hearing loss award
Settlement value vs. the statutory award
The figures on this page are what South Dakota law sets. Many claims end in a negotiated settlement instead. Insurers usually start from the statutory award for your rating, then adjust for disputed ratings, future medical care, how long wage-loss benefits could run and the risk of a hearing. Knowing the statutory number for hearing loss helps you judge whether an offer is low.
South Dakota vs. neighboring states
| State | How hearing loss is paid | Max for total loss |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | 150 weeks | $172,800 |
| Iowa | 175 weeks | $391,475 |
| Minnesota | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Montana | wage loss | — |
| Nebraska | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| North Dakota | impairment rating (see rule) | — |
| Wyoming | wage loss | — |
"Max for total loss" applies to body-part schedules at the top weekly rate. Compare all 50 states and D.C.
While you recover: temporary disability in South Dakota
Weekly temporary benefits while you cannot work follow these rules:
| Weekly rate | 66.67% of AWW (AWW includes overtime hours at straight-time pay) |
|---|---|
| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,152 (2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30 (FY 2027)) |
| Minimum weekly benefit | $576/week, or the worker's AWW (less standard deductions) if lower |
| Waiting period | 7 days |
| Waiting days paid back after | 7 days of disability |
| Time limit on temporary benefits | No fixed week limit in statute |
Estimate your weekly check
Frequently asked questions
How much is hearing loss worth in South Dakota workers' comp?
South Dakota schedules 150 weeks for total loss, up to $172,800 at the top weekly rate. A partial loss is paid as a share of that, based on your doctor's rating and your wage.
What is the average workers' comp settlement for hearing loss in South Dakota?
South Dakota does not publish an official average. The best benchmark is the statutory award for your rating: for example, a 25% loss of use at a $1,200 weekly wage works out to about $30,002. Settlements move up or down from there.
What is the maximum weekly workers' comp benefit in South Dakota in 2026?
The maximum weekly temporary total disability benefit is $1,152 (2026-07-01 to 2027-06-30 (FY 2027)).
Is there a waiting period in South Dakota?
Yes. South Dakota does not pay the first 7 days of lost time, but pays them back once disability lasts more than 7 days.
Which law sets these amounts?
SDCL ch. 62-4 (e.g., §§ 62-4-3, 62-4-6). The official sources are linked at the bottom of this page.
Other injuries in South Dakota
Law and official sources
Official sources
Statute: SDCL ch. 62-4 (e.g., §§ 62-4-3, 62-4-6); SDCL ch. 62-4 (§ 62-4-6)
- South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Division of Labor and Management (official site)
- dlr.sd.gov/workers_compensation/rates.aspx
- dlr.sd.gov/workers_compensation/publications/wclawguide_brochure.pdf
Figures checked September 30, 2026. Maximums change every year; confirm current figures with the South Dakota 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.