How Does Weekly Pay Work? (2022 Facts)

How does weekly pay work? For most people, weekly pay is the most common pay period. It is a great way to make sure you always have money in your pocket. It's a type of pay period where you get paid once a week, instead of every two weeks or twice a month.  It can be a little confusing to understand at first, so we're going to break it down for you.

How does the weekly pay period work?

The first thing you need to know is that your employer will calculate how much you earn in a week. They will then multiply this amount by the number of weeks in a year. This gives them your annual salary.

They will then divide your annual salary by 52 (the number of weeks in a year). This gives them your weekly salary.

For example, let's say you earn $50,000 a year. This means that your weekly salary would be $961.54.

If you are paid every week, this means you will receive  $961.54 each week.

Advantages of weekly pay for employees

The main advantage of being paid weekly is that you always have money coming in, which can be helpful if you have bills to pay or other expenses.

It can also help you budget better, as you know exactly how much you will have each week.

Another advantage is that it can make it easier to get a loan or other financial assistance, as your income is more regular.

What is a Pay Period?

The most common pay periods are based on either a workweek or calendar month. A workweek is typically 7 days long, while a calendar month is either 28, 29, 30, or 31 days. The type of pay period you choose will depend on your business needs and payroll schedule.

For example, if you have salaried employees who are paid the same amount every week, a bi-weekly pay period may be more convenient. On the other hand, if you have hourly employees whose hours vary from week to week, a semi-monthly pay period may be more advantageous. Ultimately, the best pay period for your business is the one that works best for you and your employees.

How many types of pay periods are there?

The frequency of your paychecks is determined by your employer, and there are a few different options to choose from. The four most common pay periods are weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and monthly.

• Weekly:  As we discussed earlier, with a weekly pay period, you will be paid once a week. This is the most common type of pay period, and it is typically used for hourly employees. Example of a weekly pay period: June 1 - June 7.
• Bi-Weekly: A bi-weekly pay period means you will be paid every other week. This type of pay period is less common than a weekly pay period, but it is still used by some employers. Example of a bi-weekly pay period: June 1 - June 14.
• Semi-Monthly: With a semi-monthly pay period, you will be paid twice a month. This type of pay period is typically used for salaried employees. Example of a semimonthly pay period: June 1 - June 15, or February 1 - February 14.
• Monthly: Finally, with a monthly pay period, you will be paid once a month. This is the least common type of pay period, and it is typically used for businesses with a slower payroll schedule. Example of a monthly pay period: June 1 - June 30, February 1 - February 28.

As you can see, there are a few different options when it comes to choosing a pay period. The best way to determine which one is right for you is to talk to your employer about their preferences.

How Many Pay Periods Are in a Year? 

There are 12 months in a year, which means there are 12 pay periods in a year. However, the number of pay periods may vary depending on the type of pay period you have.

For example, if you are paid weekly, you will have 52 pay periods in a year. If you paid Bi-weekly, you have 26 pay periods, and if you have Semi-Monthly pay period than you will 24 periods in a year. Additionaly, if you are paid monthly, you will only have 12 pay periods in a year.

No matter what type of pay period you have, you will always receive the same amount of money each year. This is because your salary is calculated based on the number of weeks in a year, not the number of pay periods.

Difference between Pay Period and Pay Date:

The pay date is the day that your employer actually issues your paycheck. The pay period is the time frame that your paycheck covers. For example, if you are paid biweekly, each pay period represents two weeks of work. At the end of each pay period, your employer will calculate your hours worked and issue a paycheck for those hours on the pay date.

The pay date may or may not fall on the same day as the last day of the pay period. Pay periods are usually based on a schedule set by the employer, such as weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Pay dates are typically set by the payroll provider and may vary from one payroll cycle to the next. If you have any questions about when you will be paid, be sure to ask your employer or payroll provider.

Is It Possible to Have 27 Pay Periods in a Year?

Most people are used to receiving a paycheck every two weeks, which adds up to 24 pay periods in a year. However, it is technically possible to have 27 pay periods in a year. This would occur if you ran the payroll on a bi-weekly basis and there was an extra day in a leap year.

While this might seem like a good way to get an extra paycheck, it can actually be quite confusing and difficult to manage. In addition, it can create issues with taxes and other financial matters. As a result, most employers stick to the traditional 24-pay period schedule.

Final Thoughts:

We hope this article has helped you understand how weekly pay works.  Remember, the best way to determine which pay period is right for you is to talk to your employer about their preferences. Weekly pay periods are the most common type of pay period, but there are a few different options to choose from.

Favorite Resources

Our favorite resources are included below.

Job interview resources

• Common Interview Questions by Marquette University
• Prepare for Behavioral Interview Questions by Marquette University
• Preparing for Job Interviews by the University of Kansas
• Mock Interview Handbook by CSUCI
• Interview Guidebook by Lebanon Valley College

Resume and cover letter resources

• Writing a Resume and Cover Letter by USC
• Resume Writing Tips by the University of Wisconsin-Madison
• Resume and Cover Letter Guide by Harvard University

Job search resources

• Building and Engaging Your Network by UC Berkeley
• Career Ready Assessment by UC Berkeley

Interview Question and Answer Guide (PDF)

Download our full interview preparation guide. Complete with common interview questions and example answers. Free download. No email required.

Download PDF