A semi-monthly pay schedule means employees are paid twice each month, typically on fixed dates, such as the 1st and the 15th, or the 15th and the last day of the month.
Understanding Semi-Monthly Pay Frequency
Also known in payroll contexts as bi-monthly pay, this structure results in 24 pay periods per year. Although the term “bi-monthly” can technically refer to once every two months, in the context of payroll, it’s widely accepted to mean twice per month.
Employers who use semi-monthly payroll often work with platforms like Beyond to automate this schedule, ensuring payments are issued consistently on the designated calendar days.