Biweekly Pay?

Biweekly pay refers to a payroll schedule where employees receive wages every two weeks, typically on the same day of the week—such as every other Friday. This results in 26 pay periods per year, occasionally 27 depending on the calendar year.

How Biweekly Pay Works

In a biweekly pay schedule, employees are paid every 14 days. Unlike semi-monthly pay (which issues two paychecks per month regardless of date), biweekly pay may result in two extra paychecks in certain years. This distinction can affect budgeting, deductions, and overtime calculations.

Key Features of Biweekly Payroll

• Consistency: Employees receive pay on a fixed day (e.g., every other Friday), simplifying planning.
• Extra Pay Periods: Some years include 27 pay periods due to calendar shifts.
• Hourly Workers: Commonly used for non-exempt and hourly employees to align pay with hours worked.
• Benefit Deductions: Employers need to manage deductions carefully during 27-paycheck years.

Biweekly vs. Weekly vs. Semi-Monthly

Biweekly pay balances administrative ease and employee preference better than weekly or semi-monthly in many organizations.

Advantages of Biweekly Pay

• Predictable and consistent payment cycle
• Easier overtime tracking for hourly workers
• More frequent income than semi-monthly
• Aligns with budgeting and cash flow needs for both employers and employees

Considerations for Employers

• Prepare for potential 27th payroll in certain years
• Update benefit deduction schedules accordingly
• Align payroll system and tax withholdings with federal and state laws
• Communicate clearly with employees about changes or special pay periods

Is Biweekly Pay Right for Your Business?

Choosing a payroll frequency depends on your workforce composition, administrative capacity, and compliance needs. Biweekly pay is a widely adopted model, offering a practical middle ground between weekly and semi-monthly cycles.