Employers in Rhode Island must comply with these state rules regarding the timing and frequency of wage payments.
In Rhode Island, wages must be paid weekly except for employees whose compensation is fixed at a yearly, monthly or semimonthly rate, unless prevented by inevitable casualty. More frequent payment is permitted.
Wages must be paid to within nine days of the end of the pay period. If the ninth day is a holiday, payment must be made on the next business day.
Employees absent on payday must be paid thereafter on demand.
Unpaid wages earned by strikers are due and payable at the next regular payday.
Religious, literary, and charitable corporations are covered by special wage payment rules.
Effective January 1, 2014, employers may pay employees on a biweekly basis if the employer's average payroll exceeds 200 percent of minimum wage.