Get to Know Your Paycheck

Understanding how much you earn, and home much “take-home” pay is left after taxes are taken out, is essential for building an accurate budget.

Personal deductions, such as 401k contributions, can also be seen on your paycheck stubs.

 
 
 

  • Gross Wages: (Hours you worked) x (Hourly Rate)

  • FICA MED TEX: Federal Insurance Contributions Act - money taken out of a workers' paycheck to pay older Americans their Medicare (hospital insurance) benefits. It is a mandatory payroll deduction.

  • FICA SS TAX: Federal Insurance Contributions Act - money taken out of a workers' paycheck to pay older Americans their Social Security Retirement Benefits. It is a mandatory payroll deduction.

  • FED TAX: Federal Tax is taken out of a workers' paycheck from the government

  • CA ST TAX: California State Tax is taken out of a workers' paycheck from the state

  • SDI: State Disability Insurance is money taken out of a workers' paycheck to help fund short-term disability for workers who become disabled

  • Voluntary Deductions: Other amounts may be taken to pay for employee benefits, insurance, retirement, etc.