What Is Required on a California Pay Stub?

California pay stub laws are specific and strict, designed to protect employees. When every detail about your workweek, pay and time off are explicitly stated, you’re able to make sure you’re being paid fairly and accurately.

Does My California Pay Stub Have to Include My Total Hours Worked?

Yes, the number of hours worked must be reported on the pay stub, and if you earn piece-rate pay, the number of rate units earned along with the piece-rate pay must be listed if your pay is based on a piece-rate.

If My Pay Stub Shows the Gross Wages Earned, Does It Also Have to Indicate My Net Wages Earned?

Yes, both the gross wages and net wages must be listed. All deductions must be shown as well, but employee-ordered deductions can be shown as one item listed on the pay stub.

Besides My Name, Does the Pay Stub Need to Have Any Other Identifying Information?

Yes, the wage statement must include an identifier, such as the last four digits of your Social Security number or an employer-assigned employee identification number. The employer’s full name and address should appear on the pay stub, too.

What If My Wage Statement Only Provides the Date of Pay and Not the Dates Worked?

The dates covered by the pay period must appear on a California pay stub or it is in violation of the law.

Does California Enforce a Timeframe During Which Employees Must Receive Paychecks?

Yes. With a few exceptions, California employers must pay their employees a minimum of two times a month. If you work between the 1^st and the 15^th of a month, you should be paid on or before the 26^th of that month. Similarly, the work you perform between the 16^th and the last day of that same month is required to be paid to you on or before the 10^th day of the next month.

If you are paid every two weeks, but your pay period doesn’t align with the above dates, California law requires your employer to pay you for the work you completed no later than seven days after the closing of the pay period.

What If My Employer Varies the Pay Date from Pay Period to Pay Period?

In California, you must have pre-determined paydays. Each employee should know when, where and how the payment will be distributed on a regular basis.

If I Quit, How Soon is My Employer Required to Pay Me My Last Paycheck?

According to California law, as long as you provide at least 72 hours’ notice that you’re going to quit, your employer must pay you all your owed wages, including accrued vacation, within 72 hours of quitting. If you do not provide a minimum of 72 hours’ notice, your final check can be mailed to you. The date the final check is mailed must be within 72 hours of the notice you were quitting.

Have Any Employers Been Held Accountable for Violating California Wage Statement Laws?

Yes. In 2018, Walmart was ordered to pay about $48 million in statutory damages and $54 million in penalties after a California judge determined the company violated California’s wage statement requirements. Allegations included claims that employees who missed meal breaks weren’t fully compensated and that the pay stubs themselves did not meet California’s stringent requirements.

In that case, employees of a California Walmart filed suit under the Private Attorneys General Act, which provide employees the opportunity to sue an employer for alleged labor violations on behalf of the state.

Join a Free California Pay Stub Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you are a California worker and received a pay stub that was missing any required information, you may qualify to join this California paycheck stub class action lawsuit investigation.

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