Finding the Right Fit
Bi-Weekly Payroll
Bi-Weekly Payroll
Frequency - Every two weeks (26 times a year)
Details - Employees are paid every two weeks, typically on the same day of the week (e.g., every other Friday). The pay period span is 14 days.
Popularity - Bi-weekly is one of the most common payroll frequencies. It strikes a balance between frequent payments and administrative efficiency. Common in retail, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Weekly Payroll
Weekly Payroll
Frequency - Every week (52 times a year)
Details - Employees are paid once a week (on a consistent day weekly). The pay period span is 7 days.
Overview- Popular in industries with hourly or contract workers such as construction, hospitality, and staffing. Weekly payroll offers employees quick access to earnings, which can improve financial flexibility.
Semi-Monthly Payroll
Semi-Monthly Payroll
Frequency: Twice a month (24 times a year)
Details: Employees are paid twice a month, typically on the 1st and 15th or the 15th and last day of the month.
Overview: Ideal for salaried employees. Semi-monthly schedules reduce payroll processing volume while providing more frequent pay than monthly. Common in office and administrative settings.
Monthly Payroll
Monthly Payroll
Frequency - Once a month (12 times a year)
Details: Employees are paid one full calendar month, usually at the end of the month.
Overview: Less common, but sometimes used by small businesses or for executive-level staff. Monthly payroll requires less administrative effort but may necessitate employees managing longer budgeting periods.
Choosing the Right Frequency
When selecting a payroll schedule, consider:
Cash flow requirements of your business
Administrative workload for payroll processing
Employee preferences for payment timing
Industry norms or union requirements (if applicable)
You can set your payroll frequency when configuring your payroll schedule—and update it as your business evolves.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide tax, legal, benefits, financial, or HR advice. Since laws and regulations are subject to change and may differ by location, please consult a legal or HR professional for personalized guidance.