How to read your payslip, line by line

Most people glance at the total and move on. But a payslip is also your record of hours, rates, deductions and super, and it is the first place to look if something seems wrong.

When you should get one

The Fair Work Ombudsman says employers must give a payslip within one working day of payday, even if you are on leave. It can be on paper or electronic, and an electronic payslip must contain the same information as a paper one.

What it must show

For each pay period, a payslip must include:

• the employer's and employee's names

• the employer's ABN, if it has one

• the pay period and the date of payment

• gross and net pay

• for hourly workers, the ordinary hourly rate, hours worked at that rate and the total amount at that rate

• loadings, allowances, bonuses, penalty rates or other entitlements that can be separated out, including casual loading

• details of any deductions, and the fund or account they were paid into

• superannuation contributions for the period, and the name of the super fund.

Checking it

Compare your hours with your own record, such as a roster or diary. Check the rate against your award or agreement, and confirm super is being paid to your fund. Keeping your payslips makes it much easier to raise a question later.

If something is wrong

Start by talking to your employer or payroll team. If that does not resolve it, the Fair Work Ombudsman has tools and information on what to do when payslips are not given or do not include the right information.

This article is general information and does not cover every situation.