What's a pay period?

Question

Accepted Answer

The pay period is the time you've been paid for in your pay. If you’re paid each fortnight, your pay period is two weeks. If you receive wages, you’re normally paid after the pay period (‘in arrears’). If you’re paid a salary you may be paid midway through the pay period, e.g. half in advance (before the work) and half in arrears.
You usually get paid on the same day each week, fortnight or month. The law doesn’t say how often you should be paid or on what day, but this is written in most employment agreements. If it’s not included, before you sign you could ask your boss how often and what day you’ll be paid, and ask for it to be included. Employers need to respect their good faith obligations and be reasonable when deciding how often their workers get paid.
If you don’t think you’re getting paid the right amount or on time, talk to your boss. If you’re not happy after that, contact MBIE for advice.
Want to know more?

What people are asking…

Rather talk with a human?

Workbot Talk to me about your problems at work