Gross Pay vs Net Pay: What’s the Difference? (2026 Plain-English Guide)
Gross pay vs net pay — one is what you earn, the other is what you keep. This plain-English guide explains exactly what causes the gap between your salary and your take-home pay, with real 2026 dollar examples for both salaried and hourly workers. Covers FICA, pre-tax deductions, variable pay, and how to verify your own paycheck math.