How is the average weekly wage determined for seasonal or hourly workers?

The average weekly wage for seasonal or hourly workers is determined by requesting 52 weeks of payroll records. This approach provides a comprehensive view of the worker's earnings over an entire year, ensuring that any fluctuations in pay due to seasonality or varying work hours are accurately reflected. By examining a full year's worth of payroll, the average can account for periods of high and low earnings, resulting in a more precise calculation of the worker's wages.

This method is particularly important for seasonal workers who may have varied earnings across different months or seasons. It ensures that the average weekly wage reflects a more stable income figure, rather than being influenced by temporary spikes or dips in earnings.

The other choices do not provide a complete or accurate method for calculating the average weekly wage. For example, using the last week’s pay does not account for seasonal variations or overall annual earnings, and averaging earnings over just the last month may not adequately represent the worker's typical earnings. Multiplying monthly wages by 4.35 is also insufficient as it does not reflect the true variability in a year-round income situation. Thus, the most accurate way to determine the average weekly wage in these cases is by reviewing a full year of payroll records.