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Pay Frequency Explained

Updated over 3 weeks ago

Pay frequency refers to how often your team members are paid. Atto Payroll supports multiple pay schedule options so you can choose the one that best fits your operations.


Weekly

  • 52 pay periods per year

  • Pay is processed on the same day each week (e.g., every Wednesday)

  • Covers one workweek at a time

  • Ideal for consistent cash flow and predictable scheduling

  • Helpful for teams that prefer frequent payouts


Bi-Weekly

  • 26 pay periods per year

  • Pay is issued every other week on the same weekday

  • Each pay period covers two full weeks (80 hours)

  • Balances frequent pay with less administrative overhead

  • Common among both hourly and salaried teams


Semi-Monthly

  • 24 pay periods per year

  • Payments typically occur on the 15th and the last business day of the month

  • Example:

    • Pay Period 1: 1st–15th → Paid on the 15th

    • Pay Period 2: 16th–End of Month → Paid on the last business day

  • Offers regular, predictable scheduling

  • Works well for salaried teams and budgeting


Monthly

  • 12 pay periods per year

  • Pay is issued once per month on a selected day (e.g., the 1st or end of month)

  • Covers work done in the prior or current month

  • Minimizes administrative processing

  • Best suited for salaried staff or businesses with stable cash flow


Choosing the Right Frequency

Your pay schedule should align with your business needs, cash flow, and local labor regulations. Atto Payroll offers flexibility to support all standard frequencies, ensuring accurate and timely payroll regardless of your preferred cadence.

Before finalizing your pay frequency, we recommend reviewing your state’s payroll requirements.


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