Biweekly vs semimonthly pay
They sound alike and both mean "about twice a month," but they behave very differently when you budget.
Side by side
| Biweekly | Semimonthly | |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule | Every 14 days | Two set dates a month |
| Checks per year | 26 (sometimes 27) | 24 |
| Payday weekday | Always the same | Changes; moves earlier on weekends |
| Checks per month | 2, or 3 in two months | Always 2 |
| Check size on $60,000 | $2,307.69 | $2,500.00 |
| Hours per check (hourly) | Always 80 | Varies: 80–96 |
| Best for | Saving the extra checks | Matching monthly bills |
Check sizes by salary
| Annual salary | Biweekly gross | Semimonthly gross | Monthly gross | A "normal" biweekly month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $1,153.85 | $1,250.00 | $2,500.00 | $2,307.69 |
| $35,000 | $1,346.15 | $1,458.33 | $2,916.67 | $2,692.31 |
| $40,000 | $1,538.46 | $1,666.67 | $3,333.33 | $3,076.92 |
| $45,000 | $1,730.77 | $1,875.00 | $3,750.00 | $3,461.54 |
| $50,000 | $1,923.08 | $2,083.33 | $4,166.67 | $3,846.15 |
| $55,000 | $2,115.38 | $2,291.67 | $4,583.33 | $4,230.77 |
| $60,000 | $2,307.69 | $2,500.00 | $5,000.00 | $4,615.38 |
| $65,000 | $2,500.00 | $2,708.33 | $5,416.67 | $5,000.00 |
| $70,000 | $2,692.31 | $2,916.67 | $5,833.33 | $5,384.62 |
| $75,000 | $2,884.62 | $3,125.00 | $6,250.00 | $5,769.23 |
| $80,000 | $3,076.92 | $3,333.33 | $6,666.67 | $6,153.85 |
| $90,000 | $3,461.54 | $3,750.00 | $7,500.00 | $6,923.08 |
| $100,000 | $3,846.15 | $4,166.67 | $8,333.33 | $7,692.31 |
| $120,000 | $4,615.38 | $5,000.00 | $10,000.00 | $9,230.77 |
| $150,000 | $5,769.23 | $6,250.00 | $12,500.00 | $11,538.46 |
Gross pay before taxes and deductions (salary ÷ 26, ÷ 24, ÷ 12). The last column is two biweekly checks, which is what most months look like.
Budgeting differences
Semimonthly: each check can pay the same bills every month, e.g. the 15th check pays rent for the 1st. Biweekly: plan on two checks a month, assign bills by due date, and expect the "heavy" check to move during the year (why). The upside is two checks a year with nothing assigned.
Which is better?
Neither pays more over a year. If you're disciplined about saving, biweekly's two extra checks are a built-in savings plan. If you want every month to look the same, semimonthly is simpler. Compare your own salary with the biweekly vs semimonthly calculator.
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Frequently asked questions
Is biweekly the same as twice a month?
No. Twice a month is semimonthly (24 checks). Biweekly is every two weeks (26 checks).
Do you make more money biweekly or semimonthly?
The same per year. Biweekly checks are smaller, but there are two more of them.
Why do employers choose biweekly?
It keeps every pay period exactly 80 hours for hourly staff, which simplifies payroll and overtime.