How we calculated this
The 2,080-hour year — 40 hours a week across all 52 — is the convention payroll uses, not a rule in law. It counts paid time off as hours worked, so a salaried year is 2,080 hours whether or not two of its weeks are holiday. Where time off is unpaid, the 50-week column above is the one to read.
All figures are gross pay, before taxes and deductions. This is not tax advice. Last reviewed 16 October 2026
Frequently asked questions
What is $55,000 a year per hour?
$26.44, at 40 hours a week for 52 weeks — 2,080 hours. Work fewer hours for the same salary and the effective rate goes up; the table above shows it at five schedules.
How many working hours are in a year?
2,080 — 40 hours a week × 52 weeks. It is a convention rather than a rule. A salary is normally paid across all 52 weeks including paid time off, which is why the weekly figure above does not change with the hours worked.
Is this my take-home pay?
No. Every figure here is gross pay, before federal and state income tax, Social Security, Medicare and anything your employer deducts.
What is the difference between biweekly and semimonthly?
Biweekly is every two weeks — 26 paychecks a year, $2,115.38 each. Semimonthly is twice a month — 24 paychecks, $2,291.67 each. Same salary, different cheque.