How it works
How to calculate semi-monthly pay
A semi-monthly schedule pays you twice a month — typically on the 15th and the last day — for 24 paychecks a year. Gross semi-monthly pay is your annual salary divided by 24. For your net check, remove federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare first, then divide what's left by 24.
| Annual salary | Gross semi-monthly | Est. net semi-monthly* |
|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $1,667 | ~$1,430 |
| $60,000 | $2,500 | ~$2,055 |
| $80,000 | $3,333 | ~$2,665 |
| $100,000 | $4,167 | ~$3,300 |
*Single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets and FICA, no state tax.
Semi-monthly vs. bi-weekly
The two are easy to mix up. Semi-monthly pays twice a month (24 checks); bi-weekly pays every two weeks (26 checks). Semi-monthly checks are slightly larger, but you get two fewer per year — and unlike bi-weekly, there's never a "third paycheck" month. Aligning bills to the 15th and 30th is the main budgeting advantage.
Other pay schedules
Compare with the bi-weekly pay calculator, the weekly paycheck calculator or the monthly take-home calculator.
Questions
Semi-monthly pay FAQ
How many semi-monthly paychecks are in a year?
There are 24 semi-monthly pay periods in a year — you are paid twice a month, usually on the 15th and the last day of the month. This differs from bi-weekly pay, which delivers 26 checks a year.
How do I calculate semi-monthly pay?
Divide your gross annual salary by 24 to get gross semi-monthly pay. For take-home, first subtract federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare, then divide the net annual figure by 24. This calculator does it automatically with 2026 IRS rates.
Is semi-monthly the same as bi-weekly?
No. Semi-monthly pays twice a month for 24 checks a year on fixed calendar dates; bi-weekly pays every two weeks for 26 checks a year. Semi-monthly checks are slightly larger, but there is never a three-paycheck month.
What is the semi-monthly take-home on $60,000?
On a $60,000 salary with no state tax, take-home is roughly $49,300 a year, which is about $2,055 per semi-monthly paycheck after federal tax and FICA. State income tax, where it applies, reduces this further.
- Sources: IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 (2026 brackets & standard deduction) · SSA 2026 OASDI wage base ($184,500) · IRS Topic No. 751.
- 🔄 Last updated June 21, 2026 · Tax year 2026
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