Your first job is exciting, but the paycheck might be smaller than you expected. That is usually because of taxes and other deductions, not because your boss made a mistake.
Learning how pay works early saves surprises later when bills are real.
Gross pay vs. take-home pay
Gross pay is what you earn before anything is taken out. Net pay (take-home) is what lands in your bank account.
If you earn $15 per hour for 10 hours, gross is $150. After taxes and maybe uniform costs, net might be closer to $130. Always budget on net, not gross.
Taxes on teen jobs
W-2 jobs withhold federal and often state income tax. You might get some back when your parents file taxes if you did not earn much.
Side gigs like freelancing can work differently. Ask a parent before you start, especially if a company calls you a contractor.
What to do with each paycheck
A simple split: some for spending, some for saving goals, some for giving if that matters to you. Keep a small buffer for surprises like gas or phone data.
Automate savings if you can. Move money to savings on payday so you do not spend it first.
Plan your split
Use the allowance split calculator with your actual take-home pay. Parents can use the adult tax calculator to estimate withholding on a summer job, and read the Roth IRA for kids guide if you want to invest part of your earnings.