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Guide · 5 min read · Updated 2026

Wisconsin pay stub requirements

Governed by Wisconsin Statutes § 103.457 and DWD Chapter 272. This guide covers the mandatory items on every wage statement, penalties for non-compliance, and a checklist for WI employers.

The rule in one paragraph

Wisconsin requires a written statement of hours, wages, and deductions each pay period. The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Labor Standards Bureau enforces the rule.

Mandatory wage-statement items

  1. 1
    Hours worked

    Regular and overtime hours for non-exempt employees.

  2. 2
    Rate of pay

    Hourly, salary, or piece rate applied.

  3. 3
    Gross wages

    Total wages earned before deductions.

  4. 4
    Deductions

    Each deduction itemized, showing the amount and reason.

  5. 5
    Net wages

    Take-home pay after deductions.

  6. 6
    Pay-period dates

    Beginning and ending dates of the pay period.

Penalties and retention

Penalties

Employees may recover unpaid wages plus 50% increased wages as liquidated damages under Wis. Stat. § 109.11, plus attorney's fees and costs. Willful violations trigger additional civil forfeitures.

Record retention

Three years under DWD 272.11.

Electronic wage statements

Allowed, provided employees can access and print records at no cost.

Compliance checklist

  • All six § 103.457 items appear on every stub
  • Deduction reasons and amounts labeled clearly
  • Records retained for at least three years
  • Overtime rate itemized for non-exempt employees
  • Portal or paper delivery available

Frequently asked questions

Does Wisconsin require pay stubs?

Yes — Wis. Stat. § 103.457 requires a written statement of hours, wages, and deductions each pay period.

Are electronic pay stubs allowed?

Yes, provided employees can access and print them at no cost.

What are WI wage-claim damages?

Under § 109.11, up to 50% increased wages as liquidated damages, plus attorney's fees.

Who enforces WI wage laws?

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Labor Standards Bureau.

Generate a WI-compliant pay stub

StubGenPro's US pay stub template covers hours-at-each-rate, itemized deductions, YTD totals, and pay-period dates — the fields most state laws require.

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