Final Paycheck Laws in Ohio
Ohio has specific final paycheck requirements
Ohio requires final wages by the first day of the month for wages earned in the first half of the prior month, or by the 15th for wages earned in the second half. In practice, this generally means the next regular payday or within 15 days.
Final paycheck timelines
| If you are fired | Next regular payday or within 15 days, whichever is first |
|---|---|
| If you quit | Next regular payday or within 15 days, whichever is first |
| Must include PTO payout? | No — Ohio does not require PTO payout unless employer policy provides for it. |
| Penalties for late payment | Employee may recover unpaid wages plus 6% liquidated damages plus costs and attorney's fees. |
| Statute | Ohio Rev. Code SS 4113.15 |
Final Paycheck Laws in Ohio: what you need to know
Ohio has a state law that sets specific timelines for when employers must deliver a final paycheck after an employee separates from employment. The timeline typically depends on whether the employee quit or was terminated. Ohio requires final wages by the first day of the month for wages earned in the first half of the prior month, or by the 15th for wages earned in the second half. In practice, this generally means the next regular payday or within 15 days.
If you are fired or laid off in Ohio, your employer must deliver your final paycheck Next regular payday or within 15 days, whichever is first. If you quit, the timeline is Next regular payday or within 15 days, whichever is first. These timelines are legal requirements, not suggestions, and employers who miss them may face penalties.
Employers who fail to deliver the final paycheck on time face penalties in Ohio. Employee may recover unpaid wages plus 6% liquidated damages plus costs and attorney's fees. These penalties serve as a deterrent against employers who might otherwise delay payment, and they provide compensation to workers for the harm caused by late payment.
For Ohio workers who are leaving a job, understanding the final paycheck timeline can help you plan your finances during the transition. If your employer does not deliver your final paycheck by the required deadline, document the delay and contact the Ohio Department of Labor or an employment attorney. You may be entitled to penalties in addition to the unpaid wages.
Your final paycheck should include all compensation you have earned through your last day of work, including regular wages, overtime, commissions, bonuses that have been earned but not yet paid, and in some states, accrued vacation or PTO. If any of these components are missing from your final paycheck, you may be entitled to the unpaid amount plus penalties depending on your state's laws.
More Ohio workplace laws
Check other workplace law topics for Ohio:
Frequently asked questions about final paycheck laws in Ohio
Next regular payday or within 15 days, whichever is first
Next regular payday or within 15 days, whichever is first
This depends on your employer policy. Ohio does not have a blanket requirement to pay out unused vacation, but if your employer has a policy promising payout, they may be required to include it.
Employee may recover unpaid wages plus 6% liquidated damages plus costs and attorney's fees.
Document the amount owed, your last day of work, and any communications with your employer. File a wage complaint with the Ohio Department of Labor or consult an employment attorney.