Pay periods are the time that passes between one payroll run and the next. When calculating a paycheck, a pay period is the period of time for which you pay them in that paycheck.
What’s the typical length of a pay period?
The typical length of a pay period vary, or pay schedule, can vary. The most common pay schedules used in the US are:
- Weekly;
- Bi-weekly (every other week);
- Semi-monthly (twice a month); and
- Monthly.
Am I required to use one pay period over another?
Many states have requirements on which pay schedules you can use.
For a full rundown of all state pay period and pay schedule laws, visit this US Department of Labor page.