Biweekly vs. Semimonthly Pay: What Is the Difference?

"Biweekly" and "semimonthly" sound the same, but they pay differently. Here is the difference and what it means for your budget.

Biweekly pay (every two weeks)

You are paid every other week — 26 paychecks a year, and two months each year have three paydays. Many hourly jobs use biweekly pay.

Semimonthly pay (twice a month)

You are paid on set dates, usually the 1st and 15th — 24 paychecks a year. Each check is slightly larger than a biweekly one, but you get two fewer per year.

How your paycheck size compares

On a $60,000 salary: biweekly is about $2,308 per check (60,000 ÷ 26), while semimonthly is $2,500 per check (60,000 ÷ 24). Your annual pay — and your tax — is identical either way; only the timing and check size change. Check any salary by pay period with the salary to hourly calculator or your take-home pay.

Which is better?

Biweekly feels better for budgeting (more frequent pay, two "bonus" months), while semimonthly aligns neatly with monthly bills. Neither changes how much you earn — just when you get it.