The header
The top block names the employer, its address and often its EIN, then the employee, the last four digits of the SSN and an employee ID. Next to it sit the pay period dates and the pay date.
Earnings
Each earnings line shows hours, rate, the current amount and the year-to-date total. Regular pay, overtime at 1.5 times the rate, bonuses, tips and commissions each get their own line. The sum is gross pay.
Taxes
Federal income tax, Social Security (OASDI), Medicare and any state or local income tax appear next. Social Security stops once year-to-date wages pass $184,500 in 2026.
Deductions
Pre-tax deductions such as a 401(k) or health insurance reduce taxable wages. After-tax deductions such as Roth contributions or garnishments come out last.
Net pay
Net pay is gross minus every tax and deduction. It should equal the deposit or check amount to the cent.
Check the math
Add the current column and confirm it reaches net pay. Then confirm the YTD figures grew by exactly this period's amounts since the last stub.