California Wage Statement Requirements (Labor Code §226)

• 1. Gross wages earned;
• 2. Total hours worked (for non-exempt employees);
• 3. Piece-rate units and rate, if applicable;
• 4. All deductions;
• 5. Net wages earned;
• 6. The pay-period start and end dates;
• 7. Employee name and the last four digits of SSN or an employee ID;
• 8. The employer's legal name and address;
• 9. All applicable hourly rates and the hours worked at each.

A knowing and intentional violation can cost $50 for the first pay period and $100 for each period after, per employee, up to $4,000, plus costs and attorney's fees — and wage statements are a frequent PAGA target.

• Omitting total hours worked for non-exempt staff;
• Using a “doing business as” name instead of the employer's legal name and address;
• Not listing every hourly rate and the hours at each;
• Failing to show the available paid-sick-leave balance.

The available paid sick leave balance must appear on the wage statement or a separate writing each pay period. Keep copies of wage statements for at least three years, and let current and former employees inspect or copy their own.