Final paycheck

Last wages owed to a departing employee.

Definition

The final paycheck is the last wages owed to an employee whose employment ends — by resignation, termination, or layoff. Most U.S. states impose specific timing requirements for final paychecks: California requires immediate payment on the day of termination if the employer initiated the separation; many other states require payment by the next regular payday. Final paychecks include all earned but unpaid wages, often unused accrued PTO (where state law treats it as earned), and any earned but unpaid commissions or bonuses.

Example

A California employee terminated on a Tuesday must receive their final paycheck the same day.

Related terms

• Pay period — The recurring window of time covered by a single paycheck.
• Pay frequency — How often paychecks are issued.
• Payday — The calendar day wages are deposited.
• In arrears — Wages paid after the pay period ends.
• Biweekly — Every other week — 26 paychecks per year.
• Semimonthly — Twice per month on fixed dates — 24 paychecks per year.

See also

• Pay schedule calculator — convert salary to per-paycheck amount
• Pay frequencies primer — weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, monthly
• Frequently asked questions