Pennsylvania Pay Period and Frequency Laws

Various labor laws and regulations are in effect across the United States. Some federal laws apply to all states, but no law is in place around pay period and frequency on a nationwide level. Explore the requirements around the schedule for paying employees in Pennsylvania.

Does Pennsylvania Have Pay Period and Frequency Laws That Differ from Federal Laws?

Yes, the law in Pennsylvania regarding pay period and frequency requirements differs from federal law, which does not require a specific cadence.

How Often Do Employers Need to Pay Employees in Pennsylvania?

Under the Wage Payment and Collection Law, employers in Pennsylvania are required to pay most employees at least semi-monthly. However, employees who earn annual salaries may be paid monthly. Railroad workers are required to be paid weekly.

Are There Designated Pennsylvania Payday Limit Requirements?

The limit for payday after the close of a pay period is 15 days.

How Long After a Pay Period Must Wage be Paid in Pennsylvania?

After a pay period ends, an employer must pay the employee’s earned wages within 15 days. Railroad workers must receive payment sooner to accommodate the weekly pay requirement.

What Are the Penalties to Employers for Late Paychecks in Pennsylvania?

Employers who fail to pay wages on time can face a penalty of up to 25% of the unpaid wages or $500 (whichever is greater). Typically, this penalty is imposed when wages remain unpaid for 30 days beyond the scheduled pay day or 60 days past when wages were due. Violating the law may also subject the employer to criminal penalties, including possible imprisonment and fines.

What Are the Paycheck Requirements for An Employee Whose Employment Has Been Terminated?

After termination, an employee must receive their final check on or before the next regularly scheduled pay date. If an employee requests that the check be mailed, an employer must comply.

Are There Any Municipalities or Cities in Pennsylvania That Have Differing Pay Period or Pay Frequency Laws?

Pennsylvania pay period and frequency laws apply to employers across the state.

Are There Any Other Laws in Pennsylvania Regarding Pay Periods and Pay Frequency?

Employers must provide detailed pay statements with every paycheck. The statement must outline the hours worked, pay rate(s), and an itemized list of deductions. Other requirements include the name and address of the employer with contact information.

Accurate hours are critical to accurate paychecks. An automated time and labor platform like WorkforceHub streamlines how you collect employee time data. Integrations with top payroll platforms ensure that employees receive the proper pay for hours worked. Plus, you can set up pay periods within the platform that comply with Pennsylvania regulations.