An annual base salary is a fixed income structure with regular paychecks throughout the year. Some people receive their entire earnings through a base salary, while others receive a base salary with additional types of incentive pay.

Base Salary Basics

If you receive a job offer with an annual base salary of $48,000, that amount is distributed to you over the year in periodic installments. If your company makes monthly payroll distributions, for instance, you receive $4,000 in gross pay with every installment. If you receive semi-monthly paychecks, you get your base salary in 24 equal installments. With a $48,000 base, each semi-monthly installment includes $2,000 in gross salary.

Straight Salary Pros and Cons

When your base salary is your only income stream, you are a part of a straight salary income structure. Relative to other pay structures, a primary benefit of a straight salary is consistency and stability. Regardless of your work performance, results or outcomes, you get the same income at each payroll distribution. This consistency allows for simpler budgeting than more uncertain formats. A key drawback is that a straight salary doesn't always motivate a worker to go above and beyond to achieve loftier goals. Also, a straight salary limits your total income potential more than incentive-laden pay systems.

Base-Plus Structures

Companies often offer a base salary plus incentives where you can earn commissions, bonuses, tips and stock incentives on top of your base pay. Some start-up companies, for instance, offer modest base salaries with high levels of stock options to attract top executives. By paying smaller base salaries, the company preserves cash. And by offering stock options, it motivates leaders to produce strong company results. Base salary plus commission is common for salespeople. With this structure, you get a percentage of sales generated on top of a regular salary payment. Bonuses are awarded on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis for individual, work team or business unit performance. Some workers receive tips from customers on top of their base pay.

Take-Home Pay

Net income or take-home pay is your annual base salary minus deductions for federal, state and local taxes, along with pretax amounts deducted for medical or child care expenses, retirement savings and other things. If your regular paycheck shows $4,500 in gross pay, for instance, your net or take-home pay might be closer to $3,000. Net pay is the amount you actually have left to spend on necessities and discretionary items. The difference between your gross pay and net pay is partly based on how many deductions you claim when you fill out a W-4 form with your employer.