Dealing With Unpaid Wages in Utah
My employer hasn't paid me — here's what Utah law says and what to do next.
Statute: Utah Code § 34-28-5
Deadline: 1 days
Penalty: Employer may be liable for the unpaid wages plus reasonable attorney fees and costs. The Utah Labor Commission may also assess civil penalties
What is dealing with unpaid wages?
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour. Your employer must pay you at least this amount for every hour you work. Many states and cities have higher minimum wages — you're entitled to whichever is higher.
Tipped employees have a lower federal minimum ($2.13/hr), but your tips plus wages must equal at least $7.25/hr. If they don't, your employer must make up the difference.
What to Do If Your Employer Pays Below Minimum Wage
Step 1: Know your rate. Check your state and city minimum wage — it's often higher than the $7.25 federal rate.
Step 2: Calculate your actual hourly pay. Divide your total weekly pay by total hours worked. If it's below the minimum, you have a claim.
Step 3: Document everything. Save pay stubs, schedules, and any records of hours worked.
Step 4: File a complaint. Contact the DOL Wage and Hour Division or your state's labor department. Many employment attorneys handle wage cases on contingency.
How Utah differs from federal law
Utah's minimum wage matches the federal minimum:
- $7.25/hr — the federal minimum wage, which Utah has adopted without increase
- Utah allows a tip credit — tipped employees can be paid $2.13/hr if tips bring total to $7.25/hr
- There is no separate youth minimum wage in Utah beyond federal provisions
- Utah law preempts local governments from enacting higher minimum wages
- Market wages in the tech sector and along the Wasatch Front are significantly above minimum
Additional steps in Utah
File wage complaints with the Utah Labor Commission at (801) 530-6801 or laborcommission.utah.gov.
What you should NOT do
Don't accept illegal deductions. Your employer cannot deduct for cash register shortages, breakage, or uniforms if it would bring your pay below minimum wage.
Don't ignore tip credit violations. If you're a tipped employee and your tips + base pay don't reach $7.25/hr, your employer must pay the difference.
Don't sign away your rights. Any agreement to work for less than minimum wage is unenforceable under federal law.
Don't wait — the clock is ticking.
Answer a few questions. We generate a personalized unpaid wages citing Utah's exact statute, deadline, and penalties — ready to print and send in minutes.
Lawyers charge $350+. Your letter: $19.
Generate your unpaid wages →This page is general legal information for Utah, not legal advice for your specific situation. Laws change, and how a statute applies depends on facts we don't know. For advice on your matter, consult a licensed attorney in Utah.