How often must wages be paid?

Dottie · July 2002

We have approximately 1,000+ employees at various levels of employment--some are compensated on a commission basis that is determined by how many classes they teach (exercise-related). The majority of our employees at all levels receive their compensation on a bi-weekly basis. A few of these "per class" employees are paid once each month. I have reviewed the FLSA and cannot find anything governing the frequency of payment, but thought I had read that only executives could be compensated as infrequently as once each month. Does anyone have any info on this?

Hatchetman · July 2002

Your state law addresses the frequency of paydays. What state are you in? You can probably find the answer to your question for your state by going to your state government's website and looking for the agency that handles labor and employment law and then searching for regulations or laws addressing payday or the payment of wages.

Paul · August 2002

The FLSA is a federal law and really does not apply here. You want to know the state law for the states that you are in.

Other areas that you will want to check on are:
1. The definition of "wages" for your state(s). Some states factor in mandatory vacation pay, etc.
2. The timing of the pay out of the last check as some states require it on the last day worked (in the case of a termination), etc.

We are a multi-state employer and although it is a hassle to stay on top of these individual laws, that's why they pay us (HR) the big bucks!!

Dottie · August 2002

You get paid big bucks? What company do you work for? Really, thank you for your input. We are in the same boat, currently employing people in five states so, you're right, it pays to stay on top of the local stuff.

How often must wages be paid?

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