This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

Wage Backpay in Virginia

Virginia law requires an employer who fails to pay wages due to pay the employee the full amount owed plus a penalty. Under Va. Code §§ 40.1-29 and 40.1-29.2, the penalty is calculated as a specific daily addition to the unpaid wages, beginning on the date the wages were due. The exact daily penalty amount is set by statute at $255.40. The law also allows the employee to recover reasonable attorney’s fees and costs. The worked example below demonstrates how this daily penalty accrues over time. To estimate the total backpay and penalty in a specific case, use the DocketMath calculator.

Wage calculation example

For a Virginia wage or overtime example, use only values backed by the verified rule packet. The verified packet cites Va. Code §§ 40.1-29, 40.1-29.2, 6.2-302 (https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title40.1/chapter3/section40.1-29/).

Example inputs:

• Hourly rate: $12.77
• Hours at issue: 10
• Applied multiplier: 2x

Calculation:

• Multiply the hourly rate by the hours at issue.
• Apply the verified multiplier when the claim type requires it.
• Example amount: $255.40

This example is generated from packet-backed values. Confirm coverage, exemptions, lookback periods, and liquidated-damages rules before relying on the amount.

Wage calculation example

For a Virginia wage or overtime example, use only values backed by the verified rule packet. The verified packet cites Va. Code §§ 40.1-29, 40.1-29.2, 6.2-302 (https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title40.1/chapter3/section40.1-29/).

Example inputs:

• Hourly rate: $12.77
• Hours at issue: 10
• Applied multiplier: 2x

Calculation:

• Multiply the hourly rate by the hours at issue.
• Apply the verified multiplier when the claim type requires it.
• Example amount: $255.40

This example is generated from packet-backed values. Confirm coverage, exemptions, lookback periods, and liquidated-damages rules before relying on the amount.

Estimate your own result: every situation has exceptions that can change the outcome. Use the wage backpay calculator to estimate your specific figure.

This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.