What is gross pay?
Gross pay is the starting point for payroll — it’s what a person has earned before deductions such as tax and National Insurance are applied. Depending on the role, gross pay may include more than basic pay, especially when overtime or performance-related pay is involved.
Gross pay is different from net pay, which is the amount someone receives after deductions.
Things to know
- Gross pay is not the same as take-home pay
- Deductions may include tax, National Insurance and pension contributions
- Gross pay is usually shown on a payslip each pay period
- How gross pay is calculated can vary by country and pay arrangement
- If something looks wrong, employees should check their payslip and speak with payroll or HR
FAQs
What’s the difference between gross pay and net pay?
Gross pay is pay before deductions. Net pay is what you take home after deductions.
Where can I find my gross pay?
It’s usually shown on your payslip.
Does gross pay include overtime or bonuses?
It can. This depends on how your pay is structured and what you earned in that pay period.
Why do lenders ask for gross pay?
Gross pay is often used as a standard way to show proof of income.
