Rules vary somewhat from state to state.
The California Labor Code provides that wages for nonexempt employees be paid at least twice each calendar month on days designated in advance by the employer. A notice informing employees of those paydays is supposed to be posted by employers.
Normally, wages for work performed between the first and 15th days of the month are payable by the 26th day of the same month. Wages for work between the 16th and last days of the month are normally payable by the 10th day of the next month.
An employer may choose to pay employees weekly, every two weeks or semimonthly on a different schedule, as long as it pays within seven days of the end of the pay period.
Payment of overtime wages earned in one pay period may be delayed until no later than the payday for the next pay period.
Salaries of exempt workers may be paid once a month, on or before the 26th day of the month. These paychecks, however, must include salaries for the entire month.
There are some exceptions to these rules, depending upon the type of business. For example, farm labor contractors must pay employees each week. Commissions for vehicle salespeople must be paid at least once a month.
Union employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement can be paid in accordance with the pay arrangements provided in the agreement.
An employer may pay employees more frequently than the law specifies.
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