Decode and verify a pay stub
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The idea in everyday life
Reconcile dates, hours, rates, earnings, taxes, deductions, reimbursements, leave, and net pay.
A pay stub is a reconciliation statement: trace each number back to time, policy, or an authorized choice.
One step at a time.
Use the sample or information you have permission to use. Keep your work as you go. You can pause between steps.
- 1
Match employer and worker details, pay period, pay date, regular and overtime hours, rates, tips, bonuses, and year-to-date totals to your records.
- 2
Separate required taxes from benefit contributions, garnishments, repayment, and other deductions; identify anything you did not authorize or understand.
- 3
Recalculate pay before deductions (gross pay) and how deductions and adjustments change your take-home pay (net pay). Use the documented payroll process to ask about differences.
See how it works.
Sam's log shows two overtime hours missing, so the question includes the dates, clock record, expected amount, and pay-stub line.
Did you cover these?
- Your work includes a pay-stub check with private details removed. Show expected pay, actual pay, each difference, and any written follow-up.
- Check this common mistake: Checking only the bank deposit and missing an incorrect rate, missing hours, or an unfamiliar deduction.
- Your independent calculation reaches the stated gross pay and every deduction has a label, basis, and follow-up if needed.
What to finish
A pay-stub check with private details removed. Show expected pay, actual pay, each difference, and any written follow-up.
Watch for this
Checking only the bank deposit and missing an incorrect rate, missing hours, or an unfamiliar deduction.
How can I tell I understand it?
Your independent calculation reaches the stated gross pay and every deduction has a label, basis, and follow-up if needed.
Quick knowledge check
Answer all 3 questions. Get at least 2 right and the lesson completes automatically.
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Answer all 3 questions above and get at least 2 right. You can review the explanations and try again.
Go to the knowledge checkOptional course overview video · same video as Lesson 1
OSHA: Young Workers’ Rights
From U.S. Department of Labor. Watch here or open it on YouTube .
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