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California Final Paycheck and Pay Frequency Laws (2026)

Last updated: 2026-10-12 · Rules checked against California's statutes and labor agency on 2026-10-03

In California, a final paycheck for an employee who is fired or laid off is due immediately at the time of discharge, including layoffs (Lab. Code § 201). If the employee quits: within 72 hours, or on the last day if the employee gave at least 72 hours' notice (§ 202). Late final pay triggers waiting-time penalties of up to 30 days' wages (§ 203). Pay frequency: California wages are due twice each calendar month on regular paydays set in advance: work from the 1st–15th is paid by the 26th, and work from the 16th–end of month by the 10th of the next month. Weekly, biweekly and semimonthly payrolls also comply if paid within 7 calendar days after the period closes.

Final pay: fired
Immediately
Final pay: quits
72 hours (last day with 72 h notice)
Pay frequency
At least twice a month
Payday deadline
7 days (or 26th / 10th)
after the pay period ends

California final paycheck law

Fired or laid off
Immediately at the time of discharge, including layoffs (Lab. Code § 201).
Quits
Within 72 hours, or on the last day if the employee gave at least 72 hours' notice (§ 202). Late final pay triggers waiting-time penalties of up to 30 days' wages (§ 203).
Final-pay source
Cal. Lab. Code §§ 201–203

14 states require final pay immediately or within about three days of a firing (California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oregon, Utah and Vermont); most others allow the next regular payday. Final wages include all earned pay; whether unused vacation must be paid out is a separate state rule.

How often California employers must pay

California wages are due twice each calendar month on regular paydays set in advance: work from the 1st–15th is paid by the 26th, and work from the 16th–end of month by the 10th of the next month. Weekly, biweekly and semimonthly payrolls also comply if paid within 7 calendar days after the period closes.

  • Most employeesWeekly (allowed)Biweekly (allowed)Semimonthly (allowed)Monthly (not allowed)
  • Exempt executive, administrative and professionalWeekly (allowed)Biweekly (allowed)Semimonthly (allowed)Monthly (allowed)Monthly is allowed if the whole month's salary is paid on or before the 26th of the month worked (Lab. Code § 204(a)).
  • Temporary-services employees on assignmentWeekly (allowed)Biweekly (not allowed)Semimonthly (not allowed)Monthly (not allowed)At least weekly (Lab. Code § 201.3).
  • Farm labor contractor workersWeekly (allowed)Biweekly (not allowed)Semimonthly (not allowed)Monthly (not allowed)At least weekly, including wages through the 4th day before payday (§ 205).
  • Boarded and lodged farm or household workersWeekly (allowed)Biweekly (allowed)Semimonthly (allowed)Monthly (allowed)Once a month allowed; no two paydays more than 31 days apart (§ 205).

Green: allowed. Amber: allowed only if a condition is met. Struck through: not allowed without approval.

Rule
At least twice a month
Salaried / exempt staff
Exempt executive, administrative and professional staff may be paid monthly if paid in full for the month by the 26th.
Payday deadline after the pay period
Work done on the 1st–15th must be paid between the 16th and 26th; work done on the 16th–last day by the 10th of the next month. Weekly, biweekly or semimonthly payrolls are also fine if paid within 7 calendar days after the period closes. Overtime may be paid by the next regular payday.
Posting / notice of paydays
Post a notice of the regular paydays and the time and place of payment where employees can see it (Lab. Code § 207). The written notice at hire must also state the regular payday (§ 2810.5; not required for overtime-exempt staff).
Changing paydays
Notify non-exempt employees in writing within 7 calendar days after a change to the regular payday, unless the change appears on a timely wage statement (Lab. Code § 2810.5(b)).
  • Vested vacation must be paid out at termination and can't be forfeited (Lab. Code § 227.3).

Same category (at least twice a month): Alaska, Arizona, District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia.

Build a California payroll calendar

Generate every 2026–2028 payday for your schedule, moved for bank holidays, and check it against California's frequency and payday-deadline rules. Download it as Excel, CSV, PDF or a calendar file.

Payroll calendar settings

Pay periods run Sunday–Saturday; payday is Friday, 6 days after the period ends (e.g. Dec 14, 2025 – Dec 27, 2025 → Fri, Jan 2, 2026).

Paychecks in 2026
27
Usual is 26 — plan for the extra payroll
Months with 3+ paychecks
3
January, July, December
Paydays moved
2
Weekend or holiday
First / last payday
Jan 2 – Dec 31
Fri / Thu

Year-end shift: the payday scheduled for Fri, Jan 1, 2027 moves to Thu, Dec 31, 2026 and is paid in 2026, so it counts toward 2026 — W-2 wages, Social Security wage base and 401(k) limits follow the date wages are paid.

27 biweekly paychecks. If salaried staff are paid annual salary ÷ 26, a 27th check pays about 3.8% more than the salary for the year; dividing by 27 lowers each check about 3.7% instead. Decide before January and adjust per-paycheck benefit deductions and 401(k) deferrals.

Check #Pay periodPay dateSubmit payroll byDays after period endNotes
1Dec 14, 2025 – Dec 27, 2025Fri, Jan 2, 2026Tue, Dec 30, 20256
2Dec 28, 2025 – Jan 10, 2026Fri, Jan 16, 2026Wed, Jan 14, 20266
3Jan 11, 2026 – Jan 24, 2026Fri, Jan 30, 2026Wed, Jan 28, 202663rd check in January.
4Jan 25, 2026 – Feb 7, 2026Fri, Feb 13, 2026Wed, Feb 11, 20266
5Feb 8, 2026 – Feb 21, 2026Fri, Feb 27, 2026Wed, Feb 25, 20266
6Feb 22, 2026 – Mar 7, 2026Fri, Mar 13, 2026Wed, Mar 11, 20266
7Mar 8, 2026 – Mar 21, 2026Fri, Mar 27, 2026Wed, Mar 25, 20266
8Mar 22, 2026 – Apr 4, 2026Fri, Apr 10, 2026Wed, Apr 8, 20266
9Apr 5, 2026 – Apr 18, 2026Fri, Apr 24, 2026Wed, Apr 22, 20266
10Apr 19, 2026 – May 2, 2026Fri, May 8, 2026Wed, May 6, 20266
11May 3, 2026 – May 16, 2026Fri, May 22, 2026Wed, May 20, 20266
12May 17, 2026 – May 30, 2026Fri, Jun 5, 2026Wed, Jun 3, 20266
13May 31, 2026 – Jun 13, 2026Thu, Jun 18, 2026Tue, Jun 16, 20265Moved from Fri, Jun 19, 2026 (Juneteenth).
14Jun 14, 2026 – Jun 27, 2026Fri, Jul 3, 2026Wed, Jul 1, 20266
15Jun 28, 2026 – Jul 11, 2026Fri, Jul 17, 2026Wed, Jul 15, 20266
16Jul 12, 2026 – Jul 25, 2026Fri, Jul 31, 2026Wed, Jul 29, 202663rd check in July.
17Jul 26, 2026 – Aug 8, 2026Fri, Aug 14, 2026Wed, Aug 12, 20266
18Aug 9, 2026 – Aug 22, 2026Fri, Aug 28, 2026Wed, Aug 26, 20266
19Aug 23, 2026 – Sep 5, 2026Fri, Sep 11, 2026Wed, Sep 9, 20266
20Sep 6, 2026 – Sep 19, 2026Fri, Sep 25, 2026Wed, Sep 23, 20266
21Sep 20, 2026 – Oct 3, 2026Fri, Oct 9, 2026Wed, Oct 7, 20266
22Oct 4, 2026 – Oct 17, 2026Fri, Oct 23, 2026Wed, Oct 21, 20266
23Oct 18, 2026 – Oct 31, 2026Fri, Nov 6, 2026Wed, Nov 4, 20266
24Nov 1, 2026 – Nov 14, 2026Fri, Nov 20, 2026Wed, Nov 18, 20266
25Nov 15, 2026 – Nov 28, 2026Fri, Dec 4, 2026Wed, Dec 2, 20266
26Nov 29, 2026 – Dec 12, 2026Fri, Dec 18, 2026Wed, Dec 16, 20266
27Dec 13, 2026 – Dec 26, 2026Thu, Dec 31, 2026Tue, Dec 29, 20265Moved from Fri, Jan 1, 2027 (New Year's Day). 3rd check in December.

Holidays: Federal Reserve Bank closures, when ACH direct deposits don't settle (the Reserve Banks stay open on the Friday before a Saturday holiday, such as July 3, 2026 and Dec. 24, 2027). Submit-payroll dates count Federal Reserve business days; your provider's cutoff may differ.

Other California payroll rules

California final paycheck and payday FAQ

When is a final paycheck due in California if an employee is fired?

Immediately at the time of discharge, including layoffs (Lab. Code § 201). Source: Cal. Lab. Code §§ 201–203.

When is a final paycheck due in California if an employee quits?

Within 72 hours, or on the last day if the employee gave at least 72 hours' notice (§ 202). Late final pay triggers waiting-time penalties of up to 30 days' wages (§ 203). Source: Cal. Lab. Code §§ 201–203.

How often do California employers have to pay employees?

California wages are due twice each calendar month on regular paydays set in advance: work from the 1st–15th is paid by the 26th, and work from the 16th–end of month by the 10th of the next month. Weekly, biweekly and semimonthly payrolls also comply if paid within 7 calendar days after the period closes.

Can I pay employees monthly in California?

Not for most employees — they must be paid weekly, biweekly and semimonthly. Salaried / exempt staff: Exempt executive, administrative and professional staff may be paid monthly if paid in full for the month by the 26th.

How soon after a pay period ends must California employees be paid?

Work done on the 1st–15th must be paid between the 16th and 26th; work done on the 16th–last day by the 10th of the next month. Weekly, biweekly or semimonthly payrolls are also fine if paid within 7 calendar days after the period closes. Overtime may be paid by the next regular payday.

Do I have to give notice before changing paydays in California?

Notify non-exempt employees in writing within 7 calendar days after a change to the regular payday, unless the change appears on a timely wage statement (Lab. Code § 2810.5(b)).

Official Sources

Figures checked against these sources on 2026-10-03

Related Resources on This Site

Final paycheck and payday laws in other states

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General information, not legal advice. Confirm the current rules with California's labor department before relying on them.