Often not, and rarely below minimum wage. Many states sharply limit deductions for cash-register shortages, breakage, or mistakes, sometimes requiring your written consent. Even where allowed, a deduction generally can’t drop your pay below minimum wage for the hours worked.
Docking pay for errors, shortages, or damaged goods is far more restricted than many employers act like it is. A number of states prohibit or tightly limit deductions for things like a cash-drawer shortfall, broken equipment, or a customer walkout, and some require your specific written authorization before any such deduction. On top of state rules, federal law provides a floor: a deduction generally cannot reduce your earnings below the minimum wage for the hours you worked, and it cannot cut into overtime pay. So a surprise deduction for a mistake is often improper.
Often not. Many states restrict or prohibit deductions for shortages, and even where allowed, your pay generally can’t drop below minimum wage.
In many states, yes — deductions for mistakes or damage often require your written authorization, and some are barred entirely.
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