What does gross pay refer to?

Gross pay refers to the total earnings an employee receives before any deductions are taken out. This includes all forms of compensation and wages earned in a given pay period, such as salary, hourly wages, bonuses, overtime pay, and any additional forms of remuneration. Understanding that gross pay is the total amount before deductions is essential for distinguishing it from net pay, which is the amount the employee takes home after taxes and other deductions are subtracted.

While options related to specific calculations, like hourly wage times worked hours or annual salary, can lead to determining gross pay, they are not all-encompassing definitions. Gross pay encompasses a range of earnings beyond just these aspects, which makes the correct choice the most comprehensive definition.