Bi-Weekly Payroll Schedule for 2026

Bi-Weekly Payroll Schedule Template Overview

A bi-weekly payroll schedule means employees are paid every two weeks, typically resulting in 26 paychecks per year. While it’s a common approach in the U.S., it can get tricky to keep track of overlapping months, leap years, and benefits deductions.

This template helps by providing a clear calendar that maps out each pay period for the year.

How it helps:

• Time Efficiency: Eliminates the guesswork of setting up recurring pay dates.
• Error Prevention: Keeps you aligned on which work weeks fall into each paycheck.
• Compliance-Friendly: Ensures employees have visibility into their payroll schedule, reducing confusion or disputes.

Who is This Template For?

This Bi-Weekly Payroll Schedule Template is designed for organizations that run payroll every two weeks and need a clear, easy-to-use way to stay organized. It’s especially helpful for:

• Employers who want a no-cost, professional way to publish payroll schedules.
• HR teams looking to standardize payroll communication.
• Small businesses without access to payroll software.
• Scaling companies that need predictable scheduling to build trust and reduce payroll questions.

How To Use This Bi-Weekly Payroll Schedule Template

Follow these steps to put the template into action:

1. Download the PDF and open it in your company’s preferred viewer (e.g., Adobe Acrobat).
2. Review the pre-built 26-period calendar to confirm it aligns with your organization’s first pay date of the year.
3. Note any holidays or weekends that may impact payroll processing or direct deposit timelines, and adjust your internal workflows accordingly.
4. Add any relevant payroll notes, such as deduction schedules (e.g., benefits, retirement contributions) or internal approval deadlines.
5. Share the final calendar with employees and stakeholders through your HR system, intranet, or employee handbook to ensure everyone stays aligned on payroll timing.

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