When your US job ends, when you must be paid your final wages depends on your state and on whether you were fired or quit. Federal law (the FLSA) sets no deadline and doesn't require immediate payment — it defaults to your next regular payday. Many states are stricter.
Key states at a glance
| State | If fired / laid off | If you quit |
|---|---|---|
| California | Immediately, at termination (Labor Code §201) | Within 72 hours — or immediately if you gave 72+ hours' notice (§202) |
| New York | Next regular payday | Next regular payday |
| Texas | Within 6 calendar days | Next regular payday |
| Massachusetts | Immediately (day of discharge), including accrued vacation | Next regular payday (or first Saturday, if no set payday) |
| Illinois | At separation if possible; no later than the next regular payday | Same — at separation if feasible, else next regular payday |
| Federal default (states with no rule) | Next regular payday | Next regular payday |
What must be included
Your final paycheck must include all wages earned through your last day. In states that treat vacation as wages (see our PTO payout by state reference), it must also include your accrued unused vacation.
Penalties for late final pay
Some states add teeth. California, for example, imposes a "waiting-time penalty" — up to 30 days of your daily wage — if an employer willfully fails to pay final wages on time. Other states have their own penalties.
Official source
Federal final-pay position (next regular payday): U.S. Department of Labor (FLSA FAQ). Confirm your state's deadline with its labor department.
If your final pay is late or short
Contact your state labor department (or Division of Labor Standards / Workforce Commission) — most let you file an unpaid-wage claim. Keep your pay stubs, offer letter and any policy documents.