Definition of Wage
Apply this to your situation
This page explains the general guidance. Ezel answers your specific situation, under current Washington labor law, with citations.
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY
STATE OF WASHINGTON
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
TITLE: DEFINITION OF WAGE
NUMBER: ES.A.2
CHAPTER: RCW 49.46.010(7)
REPLACES: ES-003
ISSUED: 1/2/2002
ISSUED: 7/15/2014
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY DISCLAIMER
This policy is designed to provide general information in regard to the current opinions of the Department of Labor & Industries on the
subject matter covered. This policy is intended as a guide in the interpretation and application of the relevant statutes, regulations,
and policies, and may not be applicable to all situations. This policy does not replace applicable RCW or WAC standards. If additional
clarification is required, the Program Manager for Employment Standards should be consulted.
This document is effective as of the date of print and supersedes all previous interpretations and guidelines. Changes may occur
after the date of print due to subsequent legislation, administrative rule, or judicial proceedings. The user is encouraged to notify the
Program Manager to provide or receive updated information. This document will remain in effect until rescinded, modified, or
withdrawn by the Director or his or her designee.
RCW 49.46.010(7)—Wage
Wage means compensation due to an employee as a result of employment. A wage must
be paid in legal tender of the United States or by checks on banks, convertible into cash
on demand at full face value. Wages may be paid by an alternative method, i.e., direct
deposit, as long as there is no cost to the employee. When there is a fee or cost
associated with the alternative payment method, the employee must be offered a choice
of the alternative method or a payroll check.
Other items of potential value, i.e., meals and lodging, are not wages and cannot be
considered part of the wages earned. This does not mean that an employer is legally
restrained from deducting such items from the employee's gross wage. However, in order
to be valid, such deductions must meet the requirements of RCW 49.52.060 (authorized
by the employee, in writing, in advance, and accruing to the benefit of the employee).
Get the answer for your situation
You just read Washington's guidance on this. Ezel checks current Washington labor law and answers your specific situation, with citations.
Opens in Ezel Pro. Every answer cites the authority it relies on.