Payment methods (direct deposit, pay cards)
You may require direct deposit but cannot charge for it. Pay cards with fees must come with a no-cost way to get wages. Source: lni.wa.gov↗ (opens in a new tab)
Pay stubs
Give an itemized pay statement every payday showing hours, rates, gross pay, deductions and pay period dates. Electronic statements are allowed if employees can access them on payday. Source: app.leg.wa.gov↗ (opens in a new tab)
Penalties
Employers who willfully withhold wages can owe twice the wages withheld, plus costs and attorney fees. Source: app.leg.wa.gov↗ (opens in a new tab)
The law and where to check
The law: WAC 296-126-023 (opens in a new tab)
The agency: Washington Department of Labor and Industries (opens in a new tab)
What federal law says
Federal law does not set how often employers must pay. Under the FLSA, wages are due on the regular payday for the pay period. State laws set the frequency. Source: U.S. DOL — state payday table↗ (opens in a new tab)
Pay frequency checklist for Washington employers
A simple order of work, based on the rules above. It is not a legal checklist.
- Pick a pay schedule that meets the minimum frequency above.
- Set fixed paydays within the time limit after each pay period ends.
- Tell employees their payday in writing, and post it if required.
- Choose payment methods your state allows (check, direct deposit, pay card).
- Give a pay stub with the details your state requires.
- Keep payroll records.
More Washington employment law guides
- All Washington employment laws
- Washington final paycheck law
- Washington paid sick leave law
- Washington meal and rest break laws
- Washington overtime law
- Washington vacation and PTO payout law
- Washington new hire reporting
- Washington at-will exceptions
Pay frequency laws in other states
See every state on one page, or pick a state:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
All official government sources, last checked October 19, 2026.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information based on publicly available official sources and is for information only. It is not legal, tax, payroll or employment-law advice and does not guarantee compliance with federal, state or local requirements. Rules can depend on your location, industry, contracts and other circumstances, and laws change. Always check the official source, the relevant government agency or a qualified professional before making a decision. MadyHR.ai accepts no responsibility for any action taken based on this page.
Last checked: . Every rule and source link on this page was checked against the official government source on this date. Laws change, so always open the source link before you act.