How to read your payslip: key terms explained
Your payslip packs a lot of information into a small space. Understanding each item helps you check you are paid correctly and plan better.
Earnings: what is added
This is the top of the payslip. It includes the base salary, supplements (seniority, productivity), overtime and the pro-rata share of extra payments. The total is your gross earnings.
Deductions: what is taken off
- Social security contributions: common contingencies, unemployment and training.
- Income-tax (IRPF) withholding: a percentage based on your income and situation.
Your net pay is gross earnings minus deductions: what lands in your bank account.
The contribution bases
At the bottom you will see the common-contingencies base and the IRPF base. These are the amounts on which contributions and withholding are calculated. They do not always match the exact gross salary.
Tip: compare your payslip's net pay with a net-salary calculator. If they differ a lot, review your withholding rate with HR.
Check whether your payslip matches the official calculation.
Net salary calculator →