Do you believe your Phoenix, Arizona, employer has failed to pay you the wages they owe you? You may have the right to pursue an unpaid wages claim under Arizona and federal law. Call Houk Employment Attorneys at (480) 569-2377 to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your rights. Our Phoenix unpaid wages lawyers are standing by to help.
We have 45 years of combined experience helping clients recover unpaid overtime, withheld commissions, minimum wage violations, or misclassification. We can help you recover the money you earned and are owed.
Why Choose Houk Employment Attorneys to Handle Your Unpaid Wages Case in Phoenix, AZ?
At Houk Employment Attorneys, we take pride in protecting workers’ rights.
Here’s why employees trust our Phoenix wage and hour dispute lawyers with their employment law cases:
- We have over 45 years of combined legal experience and a proven record of success in wage and hour law.
- We focus exclusively on employment law; we know the local, state, and federal wage laws inside and out.
- We’ve helped employees recover millions of dollars in unpaid wages, back pay, and penalties.
- We provide personalized representation and clear communication at every step of your case.
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Our goal is to make sure you’re paid fairly and legally and hold your employer accountable when they fail to do so. Call us today to schedule a confidential case review with a Phoenix unpaid wages attorney.
What Are Unpaid Wages?
Unpaid wages occur when an employer fails to pay an employee the full amount they are owed under the law. This can take many forms and affect workers in nearly every industry.
You may have a wage and hour dispute if your employer:
- Refuses to pay overtime
- Withholds pay for hours worked “off the clock”
- Misclassifies you as exempt or as an independent contractor
- Fails to meet Arizona’s minimum wage requirements
- Doesn’t pay you for required training, meetings, or travel time
- Takes illegal deductions from your paycheck
- Doesn’t pay you for unused paid sick time or required breaks
Whether your employer made a deliberate decision or a careless mistake, you deserve to be paid. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights under the law.
Common Types of Wage and Hour Violations in Arizona
At Houk Employment Attorneys, we regularly help clients recover unpaid wages due to:
1. Unpaid Overtime
Arizona follows the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which requires non-exempt employees to be paid 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for any time worked beyond 40 hours in a workweek.
Some employers avoid this requirement by misclassifying employees as exempt or manipulating time records. If you’re regularly working late or through lunch but not being paid for it, you may have a claim for unpaid overtime.
2. Minimum Wage Violations
The Arizona minimum wage is currently $15.15 per hour (as of 1/1/26), which is much higher than the federal minimum. Some employers try to skirt this requirement by underreporting hours or misusing the tipped wage exception. If your take-home pay doesn’t reflect minimum wage standards, you could be entitled to back pay.
3. Misclassification of Employees
Employers sometimes label workers as independent contractors or exempt employees to avoid paying overtime. But job titles don’t determine your status. Your actual job duties and level of control over your work determine whether you qualify for overtime.
4. Off-the-Clock Work
Work done before clocking in, after clocking out, during meal breaks, or while “on-call” can often go unpaid. If your employer expects you to respond to communications or complete tasks outside regular hours, you may be entitled to wages for that time.
5. Paid Sick Time Violations
Under Arizona’s paid sick leave law, most workers accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. If your employer refuses to honor your earned PTO or penalizes you for using it, you may have a wage claim.
What Compensation Can I Recover in an Unpaid Wages Claim?
In Arizona, employees are entitled to significant remedies when their wages are unlawfully withheld.
You may be able to recover:
- All unpaid regular wages, overtime, commissions, or bonuses.
- Treble damages for up to three times the amount of unpaid wages if the employer acted in bad faith.
- Your employer may be required to pay for your attorney’s fees and court costs.
The amount you can recover will depend on factors such as how long the violations occurred and how much you were underpaid.
Speak With a Phoenix Unpaid Wages Lawyer Today
If you’ve been shortchanged by your employer, don’t wait to take action. The clock is ticking on your ability to recover what you’re owed. Let the team at Houk Employment Attorneys evaluate your case and help you get the wages you rightfully earned. Call today to schedule a confidential consultation with a trusted Phoenix unpaid wages lawyer.
