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 Washington

Washington law sets a specific formula for calculating wage backpay, with the daily rate fixed at $342.60 under Wash. Rev. Code § 49.46.020. This statute governs the amount an employer owes when wages are unlawfully withheld, applying a daily penalty for each day the payment is late. The law does not simply multiply hours by an hourly rate; instead, it establishes a statutory daily sum that accrues until the unpaid wages are fully paid. The official source provides the exact rule, including any exceptions or conditions that may apply. A worked example below demonstrates how this daily figure is applied over a period of nonpayment. To estimate backpay for a specific situation, use the DocketMath calculator, which applies the statute’s formula to individual facts.

Wage calculation example

For a Washington wage or overtime example, use only values backed by the verified rule packet. The verified packet cites Wash. Rev. Code § 49.46.020 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=49.46.020).

Example inputs:

• Hourly rate: $17.13
• 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: $342.60

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 Washington wage or overtime example, use only values backed by the verified rule packet. The verified packet cites Wash. Rev. Code § 49.46.020 (https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=49.46.020).

Example inputs:

• Hourly rate: $17.13
• 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: $342.60

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.