Biweekly vs. Semimonthly Pay: What's the Difference?
Biweekly and semimonthly pay sound similar, but they are different. A biweekly employee normally receives 26 paychecks per year, while a semimonthly employee normally receives 24.
Biweekly pay
Biweekly means once every two weeks. Most months contain two paydays, while two months in a typical year contain three.
Semimonthly pay
Semimonthly means twice per month, often on predetermined dates.
Example with a $60,000 salary
| Schedule | Approx. gross paycheck |
|---|---|
| Biweekly — 26 checks | $2,307.69 |
| Semimonthly — 24 checks | $2,500.00 |
The annual gross salary remains $60,000 either way. The difference is how that salary is distributed through the year.
Estimate your take-home pay
Use Paycheck Calculator Hub to explore paycheck calculations and state-specific calculators.
Use Paycheck Calculator Hub to explore paycheck calculations and state-specific calculators.
For general educational purposes only; not tax, legal, payroll, or financial advice.