Washington 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 Washington.

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

Yes, there are laws in place in Washington that mandate how often employees must be paid, which differs from federal law.

How Often Do Employers Need to Pay Employees in Washington?

Employers in Washington are required to pay employees at least monthly. Federal law dictates that pay schedules must also remain consistent.

Are There Designated Washington Payday Limit Requirements?

Yes, the payday requirement is no later than the 25^th day of the current month. However, any work performed on the final seven days of the month can be included in the following month’s check , which is due no later than the 10^th of that month.

If an employer chooses to pay employes more frequently than monthly, the limit for issuing a paycheck is 10 days after the end of the pay period.

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

Employers who pay employees monthly are required to pay by the 25^th of the month, with the hours on the last seven days of the month going to the next month’s pay. More frequent pay periods (semi-monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly) require payment 10 days after the end of each pay period.

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

Willful violations of wage payment requirements can subject an employer to a civil penalty of $1,000 or 10% of the unpaid wages (whichever is higher). Employers may also be held liable for penalties, interest, bank charges, and bounced check costs if an employee presents a bounced check within 30 days of receiving it.

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

If an employee is terminated or resigns, they must receive their final paycheck by the next regularly scheduled payday. Failure to return company property is not a valid reason to withhold the final check under state law.

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

No, there are no cities or municipalities in Washington with differing pay period or frequency laws. The laws outlined above apply statewide.

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

Yes, employers are required to provide itemized pay statements to all employees with their wages. The statement (or pay stub) must include the pay basis, rate(s) of pay, net and gross wages, and all deductions.

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 Washington regulations.