Final paycheck deadlines · California
When is my final paycheck due in California?
Immediately or within 72 hours
California requires final wages immediately when you are fired, on your last day if you quit with at least 72 hours' notice, and within 72 hours if you quit without notice.
Source: California Labor Code §§ 201–203 · checked October 9, 2026
Calculate your California deadline
What California law says
- A willful failure to pay on time can lead to waiting-time penalties of up to 30 days' wages; it is not owed when there is a good-faith dispute over the amount.
- Claims go to the California Labor Commissioner.
What to do next
- Note your last day, how the job ended and your usual payday.
- Calculate what is missing from hours, rate, commissions or unused vacation the employer owes under its policy.
- Collect pay stubs, schedules and messages that support the amount.
- Ask payroll in writing for the exact amount by a clear date.
- If it is not paid, file a wage claim with your state labor agency or the U.S. Department of Labor.
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Other states
- Florida — No fixed state deadline
- Georgia — No fixed state deadline
- Illinois — Next regular payday at the latest
- Michigan — As soon as the amount is known
- New York — Next regular payday
- North Carolina — Next regular payday
- Ohio — By the semi-monthly schedule
- Pennsylvania — Next regular payday
- Texas — 6 days or next payday