Every pay stub tells the same story — gross pay in, taxes and deductions out, net pay left. Here is what each line means, with a sample stub.
Total earnings for this pay period, before anything is taken out. For salary workers: annual salary divided by number of pay periods.
Your employer's per-paycheck estimate of federal income tax, based on your W-4. Not your final tax bill — that is settled when you file.
State income tax held per paycheck. Nine states withhold $0 for state income tax.
6.2% of wages up to the annual wage base ($184,500 in 2026). Your employer matches it.
1.45% of all wages, plus 0.9% extra over $200,000. Employer matches the 1.45%.
401(k), HSA, and health premiums taken before tax is calculated — they shrink every tax line above.
What actually hits your bank account: gross minus all taxes and deductions.
Running totals since January 1 for each line — useful for spotting withholding mistakes early.
Gross pay is total earnings before anything is taken out; net pay is what is deposited after taxes and deductions.
Year-to-date: totals from January 1 through this pay period for earnings, taxes withheld, and deductions.
Bonuses are supplemental wages, usually withheld at a flat 22% federal rate instead of your normal W-4 rate.