Most states have laws that require employers to pay employees their wages with some minimum frequency—usually either twice a month (semi-monthly) or every other week (bi-weekly)—and some states require weekly or monthly payment of wages.

These laws are known as payday laws and also dictate when an employee who has been fired/terminated or quit must be paid their final paycheck—in some states, immediately; in some states within a certain number of days; and in some states on the next regularly-scheduled payday.

Payday laws vary from state to state and are usually included in a state’s statutes—often in the labor code or other statutes governing employer-employee relations.

In Pennsylvania (PA), the state's Wage Payment and Collection Law (WPCL) requires employers to pay wages on regularly scheduled paydays designated in advance by the employer. Employers must pay their employees at least semi-monthly, although many opt to pay more frequently, such as bi-weekly or weekly. When an employee is terminated or quits, Pennsylvania law mandates that the final paycheck must be provided no later than the next regular payday. If the employer fails to pay wages due by the established payday, the employee may file a claim with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry or initiate a private lawsuit to recover the unpaid wages. It's important for both employers and employees to understand these regulations to ensure compliance and protect their rights under Pennsylvania's payday laws.