Pay-Basics

What base pay means in payroll, where it sits in the compensation setup, and how it differs from regular pay and gross pay.

What bonus pay means in payroll, how it appears on payroll records, and how it differs from regular earnings and retro pay.

What call-back pay means in payroll, when a return-to-work event creates special earnings, and how it differs from on-call or ordinary pay.

What commission means in payroll, how it appears on payroll records, and how it differs from salary and bonus pay.

What a day rate means in payroll, how it differs from hourly pay, and why payroll treats it as a distinct pay method.

What a discretionary bonus means in payroll and why payroll may separate it from other bonus and premium-pay terms.

What double time means in payroll, how it differs from ordinary overtime, and why the multiplier can change payroll totals quickly.

What a draw against commission means in payroll and how it differs from ordinary commission-only pay.

What gross pay means in payroll, where it appears in the workflow, and how it differs from taxable wages and net pay.

What gross-to-net pay means in payroll, how the calculation works, and why it connects most paycheck terms together.

What hazard pay means in payroll, when it appears, and how it differs from ordinary regular pay.

What holiday pay means in payroll, where it appears on pay records, and how it differs from regular pay and vacation pay.

What an hourly rate means in payroll, how it drives pay calculations, and how it differs from total wages or gross pay.

What minimum wage means in payroll, why the pay floor matters in calculations, and how it relates to hourly rates and payroll review.

What net pay means in payroll, how payroll reaches it, and why it differs from gross pay and taxable wages.

What a non-discretionary bonus means in payroll and why payroll keeps it distinct from other bonus classifications.

What on-call pay means in payroll, when availability time creates special earnings, and how it differs from call-back or standby pay.

What overtime pay means in payroll, how qualifying extra hours are paid, and why classification, timing, and rate calculations matter.

Core payroll terms that explain what pay is, how it is measured, and how employees and employers talk about base compensation.

What piece-rate pay means in payroll, how it differs from hourly pay, and why it needs clear payroll handling.

What premium pay means in payroll, when a higher rate or special amount applies, and how it differs from ordinary regular pay.

What regular pay means in payroll, how it is calculated for ordinary hours, and how it differs from base pay and gross pay.

What regular rate means in payroll, why it matters to premium-pay calculations, and how it differs from base pay or ordinary pay labels.

What reporting pay means in payroll, when showing up for work creates special earnings treatment, and how it differs from call-back or ordinary pay.

What a retention bonus means in payroll, when it appears, and how it differs from ordinary ongoing pay.

What retro pay means in payroll, why it happens, and how it differs from ordinary current-period earnings.

What salary means in payroll, how it is converted into per-period pay, and why salary does not automatically mean the same thing as exempt status.

What salary proration means in payroll, when it happens, and how it relates to partial pay periods.

What severance pay means in payroll, when it appears, and how it differs from ordinary ongoing compensation.

What a shift differential means in payroll, how it affects earnings, and how it differs from overtime and bonus pay.

What sick pay means in payroll, how it appears in the payroll process, and how it differs from ordinary regular pay.

What a sign-on bonus means in payroll, when it appears, and how it differs from ordinary regular pay.

What standby pay means in payroll, when required availability creates special earnings, and how it differs from on-call or regular pay.

What supplemental wages mean in U.S. payroll, where they appear, and why they are often discussed separately from regular pay.

What training pay means in payroll, when it appears, and why payroll may track it separately from ordinary work pay.

What vacation pay means in payroll, how it appears on payroll records, and how it differs from PTO and accrued vacation.

What a vacation payout means in payroll, when it appears, and how it differs from ordinary vacation pay.

What a wage advance means in payroll, when it appears, and how it differs from ordinary scheduled payroll.

What wages mean in payroll, where the term appears, and how it differs from salary, gross pay, and taxable wages.