Back Pay Calculator
Estimate back pay for wrongful termination or unpaid wages — lost pay for the period, less any interim earnings.
How it works
Back pay = (weekly rate × weeks) + (benefit rate × weeks) − interim earnings
Back pay makes a worker whole for wages lost between a wrongful act — a termination, demotion or unpaid overtime — and the resolution of the claim. You take the pay and benefits you should have received over the affected period, then subtract any money you actually earned from other jobs during that time, because the law requires claimants to mitigate their losses. The result is the net shortfall the employer may owe.
Worked example
If you should have earned $1,000 a week for 26 weeks, that is $26,000, plus $2,600 of lost benefits. Subtract $4,000 you earned in a temporary job and the back pay is about $24,600.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between back pay and front pay?
Back pay covers losses from the wrongful act up to the judgment; front pay covers future losses when reinstatement is not practical. This tool estimates back pay only.
Do I have to subtract other earnings?
Generally yes. Claimants have a duty to mitigate, so wages earned from replacement work during the period are typically deducted from a back-pay award.
Is interest added to back pay?
Often, yes. Many agencies and courts add pre-judgment interest to back-pay awards; use a judgment-interest estimate to approximate it.
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Educational estimate only — not legal, tax or financial advice. Actual settlements, awards and payoffs depend on the facts, jurisdiction and negotiation. Consult a licensed attorney.