Pay Frequency Explained

Pay frequency refers to how often your employees are paid. Atto Payroll offers a choice of pay frequency options, allowing you to select the one that best suits your company's needs. Here are the most common pay frequencies:

WEEKLY:

• 52 payments per year.

• Payment is made on the same business day each week.

• Example: If your work week runs from Monday to Sunday, payments are made every following Wednesday.

• Predictable and consistent for employees.

• Helps with planning for holidays and scheduling.

BI-WEEKLY:

• 26 payments per year.

• Payment is made on the same business day every other week.

• Pay period encompasses 2 full weeks of work (80 hours).

• Provides a balance between frequent payments and manageable payroll processing.

SEMI-MONTHLY:

• 24 payments per year.

• Payments are made twice per month, most commonly on the 15th and the end of the month.

• Example: Payments for the 1st to the 15th are made on the 15th (unless it's a weekend or holiday), and payments for the 16th to the end of the month are made on the last business day of the month.

• Ensures regular, predictable paydays for employees.

MONTHLY:

• 12 payments per year.

• Payments are made once a month on a set date, typically for the month prior.

• Common payment dates include the 1st, 15th, or the end of the month.

• Pay period could cover the entire current month or work performed in the month prior.

• Fewer payrolls to process, reducing administrative workload.

Choosing the right pay frequency for your company depends on factors like your cash flow, employee preferences, and administrative ease. Atto Payroll offers flexibility to accommodate these different pay frequency options, ensuring that your employees are paid accurately and on time, no matter which schedule you choose.

We strongly recommend reviewing your state's regulations regarding pay periods. You can find valuable resources on state-specific pay period requirements at Department of Labor - State Payday Regulations. This will help ensure that you are in compliance with all state labor laws and regulations.