Net pay is the amount an employee takes home after all deductions, such as taxes, benefits, and other withholdings, are subtracted from gross pay.
Step 1: Start with gross pay
Gross pay includes:
- Regular wages or salary
- Overtime
- Bonuses, commissions, or tips
Step 2: Subtract deductions
Common deductions include:
- Federal, state, and local taxes
- Social Security and Medicare (FICA)
- Health insurance, retirement contributions, or 401(k) contributions
- Other deductions like wage garnishments or union dues
Step 3: Calculate net pay
Gross pay – Total deductions = Net pay
Step 4: Verify accuracy
Ensure all hours, earnings, and deductions are correct. Accurate net pay ensures employees are paid the right amount and payroll records are compliant.
Using SecurePayStubs
When you input employee wages, hours, and deductions, SecurePayStubs automatically calculates gross pay, deductions, and net pay, making pay stub generation fast and accurate.
Last modified: March 9, 2026


