How to Read Your Pay Stub
Every line on a typical U.S. pay stub explained, from gross pay and FICA to pre-tax deductions and year-to-date totals.
- Updated
- By the PaydayMath team · how we work
A pay stub (or earnings statement) shows how your employer got from what you earned to what landed in your bank account. Layouts change from one payroll company to another, but almost every stub has the same building blocks. Knowing them helps you spot mistakes, like a missing overtime hour or the wrong state tax.
1. The header
At the top you will find your name, employee ID, the pay period (the dates the work was done) and the pay date (when you were paid). Check the pay period first: overtime is counted per workweek, so knowing which days are included matters.
2. Earnings
This section lists each type of pay with hours, rate and amount: regular, overtime, holiday, PTO, bonus, commission, tips. The sum is your gross pay. If you are paid by the hour, multiply hours by rate yourself; it takes ten seconds and catches most errors. Our time card calculator helps you check the hours.
3. Pre-tax deductions
These come out before income tax is calculated, which lowers your taxable wages:
- 401(k), 403(b) or 457 (traditional): reduce income tax, but not Social Security or Medicare.
- Health, dental and vision insurance paid through a cafeteria (Section 125) plan: usually reduce income tax and also Social Security and Medicare.
- HSA and FSA contributions made through payroll: same as above.
That is why your stub may show different "taxable wages" for federal tax and for Social Security.
4. Taxes
| Common label | What it is | Rate in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| FIT, FWT, Fed Income Tax | Federal income tax withholding | Depends on your W-4 and pay |
| SS, OASDI, FICA-SS | Social Security | 6.2% up to $184,500 in wages |
| MED, FICA-MED | Medicare | 1.45% (+0.9% over $200,000) |
| SIT, SWT, State Tax | State income tax withholding | 0% to over 10%, by state |
| SDI, PFL, FLI | State disability or paid family leave insurance | Only in some states, such as CA, NJ, NY, RI, HI and WA |
| Local, City, LST | City, county or school district tax | Only in some places, such as New York City, Ohio and Pennsylvania cities |
Social Security and Medicare together are often called FICA (7.65% for most people). Your employer pays the same amount again on its side, but that part does not appear as a deduction from your pay.
Federal income tax withholding is not a fixed percentage. It depends on your gross pay, how often you are paid and the choices on your Form W-4 (filing status, dependents, other income and extra withholding). If it looks wrong, the first thing to check is your W-4.
5. Post-tax deductions
These come out after taxes: Roth 401(k) contributions, union dues, some life or disability insurance, charitable giving, loan repayments and wage garnishments such as child support. They do not lower your taxes.
6. Net pay
Net pay = gross pay − taxes − all deductions. It is the amount deposited. If you split your deposit between accounts, the stub lists each one.
7. Year-to-date (YTD) columns
Next to each line you will usually see a YTD total: everything earned or withheld since January 1. These numbers are useful because:
- Your last stub of the year should roughly match your W-2.
- They show when you reach the Social Security wage limit; after that, the SS line drops to $0 for the rest of the year.
- They show how close you are to the 401(k) contribution limit.
A quick checklist every payday
- Hours and rate are right, including overtime at 1.5×.
- The state tax is for the state where you work (and live, if different).
- Deductions match what you signed up for.
- Social Security is 6.2% and Medicare 1.45% of the right taxable wages.
- Net pay matches your bank deposit.
Employers must keep payroll records, and many states require them to give you a pay stub. If something does not add up, ask payroll first; they can usually fix it on the next check.
More guides
- Why Is My Bonus Taxed So High?
- How Overtime Pay Works in the U.S.
- How to Calculate Hours Worked for Payroll
- Hourly vs. Salary: How to Compare Job Offers
This guide is general information about U.S. payroll rules, not tax or legal advice. Rules change and your situation may differ; check with your employer, your state labor department or a tax professional.