Utah wage payment laws require employers to pay employees at least twice per month on pre-established paydays, with wages generally paid within 10 calendar days after the end of the work period. If a payday falls on a weekend or legal holiday, payment must be made on the preceding business day. Employers may pay yearly salaried employees once per month, on or before the seventh day of the following month for services rendered.
Regarding final paychecks, Utah law mandates that when an employer separates an employee, the final wages must be paid within 24 hours. This payment can be made via direct deposit, mail, or hand delivery. If the employee resigns, the final paycheck is due on the next regular payday. For commission-based employees, there is an exception allowing additional time for audit purposes. If the final paycheck is not paid within 24 hours after separation, wages continue to accrue for up to 60 days.
Employers must provide employees with a wage statement on each payday if any deductions are made, showing the total amount of wages and deductions. The Utah Labor Commission oversees enforcement and allows employees to file wage claims for unpaid wages, with claims required to be filed within one year of the wages being earned. Penalties for employers who fail to pay wages can include a daily 5% penalty on unpaid wages for up to 20 days.
Additionally, Utah law requires payment for all hours worked, including time spent on the employer’s premises ready to work, attending meetings or training, and during rest or break periods (excluding meal breaks of 30 minutes or more where the employee is relieved of duties).
Summary of Key Points
| Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Pay Frequency | At least twice per month; yearly salaried employees may be paid monthly |
| Payday Timing | Within 10 days after work period ends; earlier if payday falls on weekend/holiday |
| Final Paycheck | Within 24 hours of employer-initiated separation; next regular payday if employee resigns |
| Wage Statements | Must be provided on each payday if deductions are made |
| Wage Claims | Filed within 1 year; penalties for late payment include daily 5% penalty up to 20 days |
| Payment for Work Time | Includes all hours worked, training, meetings, rest breaks (excluding 30+ min meal breaks) |
These laws are administered by the Utah Labor Commission and the Utah Antidiscrimination and Labor Division, which also handle wage disputes and enforcement.
🔴 Immediate Actions (Today or ASAP)
- Check your recent paychecks: Review your pay stubs or wage statements to confirm if you were paid on time and if all hours worked (including training, meetings, rest breaks) were compensated.
- Note any unpaid wages or late payments: Write down dates and amounts of any missing or late wages, including your final paycheck if you recently separated from the employer.
- Gather documentation: Collect your employment contract, pay stubs, time records, emails or messages about pay, and any communication about your separation or resignation.
- Contact your employer in writing: Send a clear, polite email or letter requesting payment of any unpaid wages or your final paycheck. Keep a copy for your records. Example:
"Dear [Employer], I am writing to request payment of my wages for the period [dates] which have not yet been received. Please provide payment by [reasonable date]. Thank you."
🟡 Short-Term Steps (This Week)
- Follow up with employer: If you don’t get a response or payment within a few days, send a follow-up message reminding them of Utah wage laws and your right to timely payment.
- Document all communication: Keep copies of emails, letters, and notes of phone calls with your employer about wages.
- File a wage claim: If the employer still does not pay, file a wage claim with the Utah Labor Commission. Claims must be filed within one year of the unpaid wages.
- Prepare your claim: Use your gathered documents and communication records to support your claim.
🟢 Strategic Follow-Up (Next 2-4 Weeks or Longer)
- Monitor the wage claim process: Stay in contact with the Utah Labor Commission and respond promptly to any requests for information.
- Understand penalties: If your employer delayed payment, they may owe you a daily 5% penalty on unpaid wages for up to 20 days.
- Consider legal advice: If the Labor Commission process does not resolve your issue, consider consulting with an employment attorney to explore further options.
- Keep records updated: Continue to save all wage statements and communications for future reference.
Your Legal Rights
- Pay Frequency: Employers in Utah must pay employees at least twice per month, except yearly salaried employees who may be paid monthly.
- Timely Payment: Wages must be paid within 10 calendar days after the work period ends, or earlier if payday falls on a weekend or holiday.
- Final Paycheck: If your employer separates you, they must pay your final wages within 24 hours. If you resign, payment is due on the next regular payday.
- Wage Statements: Employers must provide a wage statement on each payday if deductions are made.
- Payment for All Work Time: Employers must pay for all hours worked, including time on premises, meetings, training, and rest breaks (except 30+ minute meal breaks).
- Wage Claims and Penalties: You can file a wage claim within one year. Employers who fail to pay on time may owe a daily 5% penalty on unpaid wages for up to 20 days.
Where to Get Help
- Utah Labor Commission: Primary agency for wage disputes and enforcement. Website: laborcommission.utah.gov Phone: (801) 530-6800
- Utah Antidiscrimination and Labor Division: Handles labor law enforcement including wage issues. Website: laborcommission.utah.gov/divisions/antidiscrimination-labor/
- Legal Aid Organizations: For free or low-cost legal help if you qualify. Examples: Utah Legal Services (utahlegalservices.org)
- Consumer Protection: Utah Division of Consumer Protection may assist with employer fraud or wage theft issues. Website: consumerprotection.utah.gov
- Keep Records: Maintain copies of all pay stubs, contracts, time records, and communications related to your wages.
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