Most states have laws that require employers to pay employees their wages with some minimum frequency—usually either twice a month (semi-monthly) or every other week (bi-weekly)—and some states require weekly or monthly payment of wages.
These laws are known as payday laws and also dictate when an employee who has been fired/terminated or quit must be paid their final paycheck—in some states, immediately; in some states within a certain number of days; and in some states on the next regularly-scheduled payday.
Payday laws vary from state to state and are usually included in a state’s statutes—often in the labor code or other statutes governing employer-employee relations.
In Virginia, the state's payday laws are outlined in the Virginia Code, specifically under Title 40.1, Chapter 3, which covers the payment of wages. Employers in Virginia are generally required to establish regular pay periods and must pay salaried employees at least once per month and wage earners (hourly employees) at least twice a month or every two weeks. However, employers can pay executive, administrative, and professional employees on a monthly basis. When an employee is terminated, whether fired or having quit, Virginia law stipulates that the final paycheck must be given on or before the next regular payday. This requirement ensures that employees receive their final wages in a timely manner following the end of their employment.