Pay period
A pay period is the recurring block of time, such as a week or a month, for which you calculate and pay wages.
2026 and 2027 payroll calendars
Pay dates, bank file dates and federal deposit due dates, by pay schedule:
A regular paycheck pays wages for one pay period, even when the payment arrives a few days after the period closes. The delay allows time to calculate hours, deductions, and taxes before wages are disbursed. Many states set a minimum pay frequency by law, commonly at least semimonthly or biweekly for most employees. If you operate in multiple states, check the rule in every state where you have employees. Changing an established schedule generally calls for advance notice to employees, in writing in many states.
Which pay period schedules are common?
Weekly pay is common in industries with hourly or variable schedules, where employees value frequent pay. Biweekly pay dates land on a different day of the month each time. Semimonthly fixed dates simplify matching payroll to monthly benefit and salary calculations. A monthly schedule can strain household budgeting, since a full month passes between paychecks. A schedule legal in one state can fall short of another state’s requirement.
| SCHEDULE | PAYCHECKS A YEAR | HOW IT RUNS |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | 52 | Every week |
| Biweekly | 26 | Every two weeks, occasionally three in one month |
| Semimonthly | 24 | Twice a month on fixed dates, such as the 15th and last day |
| Monthly | 12 | Once a month, least common for hourly employees |
General information, not legal or tax advice. Apply current federal and state rules with qualified guidance.