Compensation - Washington

Summary of differences between federal and state regulations

The federal Fair Labor Standards Act contains certain provisions in regard to compensation in terms of minimum wage, overtime, child labor and recordkeeping requirements. Corresponding state provisions will be found under those topic areas. States are free to adopt additional provisions that are not regulated by the federal government such as frequency of payday and wage deductions. These provisions are discussed in this section.

Frequency of payday
Employers are to pay wages on at least a monthly basis on regular paydays.
Washington Administrative Code 296-126-023

Authorized deductions
An employer may only deduct from an employee’s wages where required by law or regulation, where agreed to orally or in writing by the employee and employer, or for medical care or service. Deductions must be recorded in the employer’s books.
Revised Code of Washington Title 49, §49.48.010

Unauthorized deductions
Deductions may not be made for any cash shortage, breakage, failure of customer to pay, or loss of equipment, unless caused by the willful or dishonest act of the employee.  Deductions may not be made for accepting a bad check unless the employee did so in violation of established procedures.  Deductions may not be made for a cash register shortage unless the employee had sole access. WAC 296-126-025

Itemized statement
Employers must provide an itemized statement to employees with each paycheck showing the basis of pay (hours or days worked), rate of pay, gross wages and all deductions.  WAC 296-126-040

Deduction for unemployment compensation
An employer may not deduct from an employee’s wages to pay any portion of the employer’s required contribution to the unemployment compensation fund.
RCW Title 50, §50.40.010

Deduction for industrial insurance
Every employer who is not a self-insurer may deduct from the pay of each employee one-half of the amount the employer is required to pay, for medical benefits within each risk classification. The amount is periodically determined by the director and reported to employers. Unless authorized by this statute, an employer may not deduct any part of the premium or other costs required by the employer from the wages of employees to pay for industrial insurance. RCW Title 51, 51.16.140

State

Contact

Washington Department of Labor and Industries

Regulations

Frequency of payday
Washington Administrative Code Title 296, Dept. of Labor and Industries, 296-126-023

Authorized deductions
Revised Code of Washington Title 49, §49.48.010

Unauthorized deductions
Washington Administrative Code 296-126-025

Itemized statement
Washington Administrative Code 296-126-040

Deduction for unemployment compensation
Revised Code of Washington Title 50, §50.40.010

Deduction for industrial insurance
Revised Code of Washington Title 51, §51.16.140

Federal

Contacts

None.

Regulations

None.