A pay stub (also called a paycheck stub, wage slip, or pay advice) is the document an employer gives an employee each pay period that breaks down gross earnings, deductions, taxes, and the final net pay. It exists so a worker can see exactly how their salary was calculated and prove their income.
A pay stub is organized into sections that together explain how take-home pay was reached:
| Section | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Employee information | Name, address, and sometimes an employee ID |
| Earnings | Regular hours, overtime, bonuses, and commissions |
| Deductions | Insurance, retirement contributions, and other withholdings |
| Taxes | Federal, state, and local taxes withheld |
| Net pay | The final amount received after all deductions |
Reading a pay stub is simpler once you follow three steps:
The paycheck is the payment itself; the pay stub is the document that explains how that payment was calculated.
Yes. It is one of the most widely accepted proofs of income for lenders and landlords.
In most jurisdictions employers must provide accurate pay records each pay period, though the exact format varies.
Ontop is a global payroll and payments platform that lets companies hire and pay teams in 150+ countries and pays each worker into an account they control, with clear records of every payment.
.avif)
