What is on a New Jersey pay stub
Gross pay. Total earnings for the pay period before any deductions — rate times hours, or salary divided by pay periods, plus overtime and any bonuses.
Federal income tax. Withheld from every US paycheck using your W-4 and the IRS Publication 15-T method. This is the same in New Jersey as in every other state.
FICA — Social Security and Medicare. Social Security is 6.2% of wages up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500; Medicare is 1.45% of all wages, with an extra 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax on wages above $200,000 for a single filer.
State income tax. New Jersey uses progressive state income tax brackets, so the state income tax line depends on your income level and filing status.
Local tax. Some New Jersey cities or counties levy a local income tax. Check your stub for a separate city or county tax line and verify it with your local authority.
State worker contributions. New Jersey runs a state disability insurance program and a paid family leave program, so you may see a small employee contribution line. Amounts are set annually by the state.
Pre-tax and post-tax deductions. Pre-tax items (traditional 401(k), HSA, Section 125 health premiums) reduce taxable wages. Post-tax items (Roth contributions, garnishments) come off after tax.
Net pay. Take-home pay — gross minus every tax and deduction above.
Estimate a New Jersey paycheck
To estimate take-home pay from gross, use the New Jersey paycheck calculator, which pre-selects New Jersey state settings. To walk through a real stub line by line, use the PayslipIQ Pay Stub Checker.
Official New Jersey source
For current New Jersey withholding rules and rates, see the New Jersey Division of Taxation. PayslipIQ is independent and not affiliated with any state agency.