What is the term for the total earnings of an employee before any deductions?

The term for the total earnings of an employee before any deductions is "Gross Pay." This figure represents the total amount an employee earns for their work, including base salary, overtime pay, bonuses, and any other form of compensation, prior to the subtraction of taxes, insurance, retirement contributions, and other payroll deductions.

Understanding gross pay is crucial for both employees and employers, as it sets the foundation for calculating net pay, which is what employees take home after deductions. Recognizing this concept also helps individuals make informed financial decisions, as gross pay is used to assess income when applying for loans or mortgages.