Free Checklist
Updated: March 2026California Wage Statement Requirements 2026
What Every Pay Stub Must Include — Labor Code Section 226
California requires 9 specific items on every wage statement. One missing item = $50–$250 per employee per pay period in PAGA penalties. Get the checklist.
Why Wage Statement Violations Are So Common (and Expensive)
Labor Code Section 226 requires 9 specific items on every California wage statement. The penalties are $50 for the first violation and $100 per employee per pay period for subsequent violations, up to $4,000 per employee — and that's just the Labor Code. PAGA adds a representative action layer, meaning a single employee's wage statement violations can generate claims on behalf of every current and former employee.
The 9 Required Items on Every California Pay Stub
- 1. Gross wages earned during the pay period
- 2. Total hours worked during the pay period (for non-exempt employees)
- 3. All deductions (itemized separately)
- 4. Net wages earned
- 5. Pay period inclusive dates (start and end dates of the pay period)
- 6. Employee's name and last 4 digits of SSN or employee ID number
- 7. Name and address of the legal entity that is the employer
- 8. All applicable hourly rates in effect during the pay period AND the number of hours worked at each rate
- 9. If employee earns piece-rate compensation: applicable piece-rate and number of pieces
Get the Full Free Checklist
Enter your email to unlock the complete template, all checklist items, and the downloadable version — free.