Where's my paycheck? How pay periods break down by industry.

Americans eagerly anticipate payday.

For some, it is an opportunity for a little well-deserved self-indulgence through shopping, dates, and dinners after weeks of hard work. For others, it is a moment of financial respite for paying off overdue bills and making monthly debt and mortgage payments. And while payday is universally a good day, it doesn't come at the same time or same frequency for everyone.

State regulations on pay frequency vary. For example, Alabama and Florida do not specify when and how frequently employers must pay their employees. On the other hand, Arizona requires that emp...