Hourly wage to biweekly paycheck
A full-time biweekly pay period is 80 hours (two 40-hour weeks), so your gross biweekly pay is your hourly rate × 80.
| Hourly rate | Biweekly gross (80 hrs) | Yearly gross (26 checks) | Monthly average |
|---|---|---|---|
| $15/hr | $1,200.00 | $31,200 | $2,600.00 |
| $17/hr | $1,360.00 | $35,360 | $2,946.67 |
| $18/hr | $1,440.00 | $37,440 | $3,120.00 |
| $20/hr | $1,600.00 | $41,600 | $3,466.67 |
| $22/hr | $1,760.00 | $45,760 | $3,813.33 |
| $25/hr | $2,000.00 | $52,000 | $4,333.33 |
| $28/hr | $2,240.00 | $58,240 | $4,853.33 |
| $30/hr | $2,400.00 | $62,400 | $5,200.00 |
| $35/hr | $2,800.00 | $72,800 | $6,066.67 |
| $40/hr | $3,200.00 | $83,200 | $6,933.33 |
| $45/hr | $3,600.00 | $93,600 | $7,800.00 |
| $50/hr | $4,000.00 | $104,000 | $8,666.67 |
Assumes 40 hours a week, no overtime, before taxes.
Overtime
Under federal rules, overtime is calculated per workweek, not per pay period: hours over 40 in a single week are paid at 1.5×. Working 45 hours one week and 35 the next is 80 hours but includes 5 overtime hours. Example at $20/hr: 75 regular × $20 + 5 × $30 = $1,650 instead of $1,600.
Budgeting hourly biweekly pay
If your hours vary, budget on your lowest normal check and bank the rest (method here). If your hours are steady, use the standard biweekly method and enjoy two extra checks a year.
Part-time and irregular hours
Not everyone works 80 hours a period. Multiply your rate by the hours you actually expect:
| Hours per 2 weeks | $15/hr | $20/hr | $25/hr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | $600 | $800 | $1,000 |
| 50 | $750 | $1,000 | $1,250 |
| 60 | $900 | $1,200 | $1,500 |
| 70 | $1,050 | $1,400 | $1,750 |
| 80 | $1,200 | $1,600 | $2,000 |
If your schedule swings between those rows, budget on the lowest row you regularly hit. Remember too that the pay period usually ends several days before payday, so hours you work this week often show up on the next check, not the one coming Friday. Ask payroll for your period end date so you can predict each check from your timesheet.
Paid time off and holidays
Paid holidays and PTO usually count toward your 80 hours at your regular rate, so a holiday week doesn't shrink your check. Unpaid days do: one unpaid 8-hour day at $20/hr takes $160 off that check, which is worth planning for around the holidays.
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Frequently asked questions
How much is $20 an hour biweekly?
$1,600 gross for 80 hours.
How many hours is a biweekly paycheck?
80 hours for full-time (40 per week).
Does a 3-paycheck month mean more hours?
No. You work the same hours; the calendar simply fits three paydays into that month.