What is a pay period? A pay period is the span of time a single paycheck covers, such as one week or two weeks. The four common pay periods in the US are weekly (52 paychecks a year), biweekly (26), semimonthly (24) and monthly (12). Your payday usually falls a few days after the pay period ends.
What does pay period mean at work?
Your employer tracks the hours you work, or the salary you earn, during a set window of time. When that window closes, payroll calculates what you are owed and pays you on the scheduled payday. That window is the pay period.
The pay period and the payday are not the same thing. For example, a pay period might run Sunday through Saturday, and you might get paid the following Friday. That gap gives payroll time to process hours, overtime and deductions.
Employers choose a pay schedule, but many states set minimum rules on how often workers must be paid. Some states require at least semimonthly pay for certain workers, for instance.
Weekly vs biweekly vs semimonthly vs monthly
| Pay period | Paychecks per year | Typical payday | Common for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly | 52 | Same weekday every week | Hourly jobs, construction, hospitality |
| Biweekly | 26 (occasionally 27) | Every other Friday, for example | The most common US schedule |
| Semimonthly | 24 | Twice a month, such as the 15th and last day | Salaried office jobs |
| Monthly | 12 | Once a month | Less common; some salaried roles |
Biweekly vs semimonthly: they sound alike, but biweekly means every two weeks (26 times a year), while semimonthly means twice a month (24 times a year). With biweekly pay, two months each year usually have three paydays.
Example: one salary, four pay periods
Alex earns a $60,000 yearly salary. Here is the gross pay per paycheck, before taxes and deductions:
- Weekly: $60,000 ÷ 52 = $1,153.85
- Biweekly: $60,000 ÷ 26 = $2,307.69
- Semimonthly: $60,000 ÷ 24 = $2,500.00
- Monthly: $60,000 ÷ 12 = $5,000.00
The yearly total is the same. Only the size and timing of each check change. See gross pay vs net pay to understand what you actually take home.
Examples of pay period in emails and messages
Offer letter: “You will be paid biweekly by direct deposit.”
Payroll email: “Timesheets for the pay period ending Saturday, March 9, are due Monday at noon.”
Employee question: “If I start mid-pay period, will my first check be prorated?”
HR reply: “Yes, your first paycheck will cover only the days you worked in that pay period.”
How to use pay periods correctly
- Know your pay period dates and payday. They are usually in your HR portal or on your pay stub.
- Submit timesheets before the cutoff. Late hours may not be paid until the next pay period.
- Budget around your schedule. Biweekly workers can plan for the two “extra” paychecks a year.
- Remember overtime is weekly. Under federal law, overtime for non-exempt workers is based on hours in a workweek, not the pay period. See time and a half.
- Check deductions that are per-paycheck. Benefits and pre-tax deductions may be divided by the number of pay periods.
Related terms
See more in our Payroll and Tax hub.
FAQ
What is the most common pay period in the US?
Biweekly pay, every two weeks for 26 paychecks a year, is the most common pay schedule in the US.
What is the difference between biweekly and semimonthly?
Biweekly means every two weeks, for 26 paychecks a year. Semimonthly means twice a month on set dates, for 24 paychecks a year.
Is a pay period the same as a payday?
No. The pay period is the time your work covers. The payday is when you receive the money, usually a few days after the period ends.
Can my employer change my pay period?
Employers can usually change pay schedules with notice, but they must still follow state rules on how often wages are paid.
Why do some years have 27 pay periods?
With biweekly pay, the calendar sometimes lines up so that 27 paydays fall in one year instead of 26. It happens roughly every 11 years.
Sources
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Check with a qualified professional for your situation.
