Tony Juraska Published June 24, 2026Last reviewed July 2, 20266 min read
Reviewed by the PayStubPro Payroll Standards Team
Quick answer
Earnings are the amounts you are paid — regular wages, overtime, bonuses and commissions. Deductions are amounts subtracted from those earnings, including taxes and voluntary items like insurance and retirement contributions.
Common earnings types
- Regular pay
- Overtime pay
- Bonuses
- Commissions
- Holiday or paid time off
Common deduction types
- Federal income tax
- Social Security and Medicare (FICA)
- State and local taxes
- Health, dental or vision premiums
- Retirement plan contributions
Pre-tax deductions reduce taxable wages; post-tax deductions do not. The order matters for accurate withholding.
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Informational disclaimer: This article is educational and general in nature. It does not constitute payroll, tax, accounting or legal advice. For guidance specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional.