Earnings, overtime and pay adjustment codes

Distinguish a pay rate, hours worked, gross earnings and the money actually deposited. Extra rows can record a premium or a correction rather than another full payment.

Worked example: regular pay and overtime

At a $20 regular rate, 40 regular hours give $800. Five qualifying hours paid at time and a half give $150, bringing those earnings to $950. A system can instead put straight-time for all 45 hours on one row and the $50 overtime premium on another. Both formats can produce the same $950.

Compare the relevant workweek

A biweekly paycheck covers more than one workweek. Check hours against the workweek rules before averaging them over the entire pay period. Paid leave and hours actually worked are different quantities. Federal minimum rules, state law and contracts can affect what is payable.

Look up the codes in this section

Source and next step

See the official background guidance for the underlying rules. Internal abbreviations are employer-defined and must be confirmed locally.

Browse the complete payroll abbreviation directory or payroll guides for the wider context.