Utah final paycheck law
The short answer
When the employer separates an employee, unpaid wages are due immediately and must be paid within 24 hours of separation. (Utah Code § 34-28-5(1)) An employee without a written fixed-term contract who resigns must be paid earned wages by the next regular payday. (Utah Code § 34-28-5(2))
Last verified Sep 24, 2026 · How we verify every rule
General information, not legal advice. This page is for general information only and isn’t legal, financial or tax advice. Laws vary by state and change; check the official source or talk to a qualified professional about your situation. Every rule on this page links to its official source.
Final paycheck
If you fire someone, when is the last paycheck due?24 hoursVerified Sep 24, 2026 · 2 official sources
When the employer separates an employee, unpaid wages are due immediately and must be paid within 24 hours of separation. (Utah Code § 34-28-5(1))
“When an employer separates an employee from the employer's payroll the unpaid wages of the employee become due immediately, and the employer shall pay the wages to the employee within 24 hours of the time of separation at the specified place of payment.”
“If the employee is separated by the employer, all wages are due immediately and payable within 24 hours of separation. (An exemption exists for employees of the state of Utah.)”
If an employee quits, when is the last paycheck due?Next regular paydayVerified Sep 24, 2026 · 2 official sources
An employee without a written fixed-term contract who resigns must be paid earned wages by the next regular payday. (Utah Code § 34-28-5(2))
“If an employee does not have a written contract for a definite period and resigns the employee's employment, the wages earned and unpaid together with any deposit held by the employer and properly belonging to the resigned employee for the performance of the employee's employment duties become due and payable on the next regular payday.”
“If the employee does not have a written contract for a definite period and resigns, the wages become due and payable on the next regular payday.”
What it means for an employer
- Set the final pay date when you schedule the termination meeting or accept the resignation, using the deadline above.
- Include every wage earned up to the last day, and check the PTO payout rule for your state.
- Keep a record of the date and the amount paid.
The federal default
“Employers are not required by federal law to give former employees their final paycheck immediately.”
State rules can add to the federal default. The Utah rules above are the ones we verified; for anything not covered, ask the state labor office.
Final paycheck: Utah and its neighbors
| State | Final pay after firing | After quitting |
|---|---|---|
| Utah | 24 hours | Next regular payday |
| Idaho | Not verified | Not verified |
| Wyoming | Next regular payday | Next regular payday |
| Colorado | Not verified | Not verified |
| New Mexico | Not verified | Not verified |
| Arizona | Not verified | Not verified |
| Nevada | Not verified | Not verified |
Only verified rules are shown. "Not verified" means we have not checked that state's rule yet; open its rulebook for the official source.
Related
Questions about Utah final paycheck law
If you fire someone, when is the last paycheck due in Utah?
When the employer separates an employee, unpaid wages are due immediately and must be paid within 24 hours of separation. (Utah Code § 34-28-5(1))
If an employee quits, when is the last paycheck due in Utah?
An employee without a written fixed-term contract who resigns must be paid earned wages by the next regular payday. (Utah Code § 34-28-5(2))
Sources (3)
Checked Sep 24, 2026 · How we verify every rule · Report an error