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Pay & compensation

Gross vs net salary

In short

Gross salary is your total pay before any deductions; net salary is what actually reaches your account after tax and other deductions are taken out.

When a job posting quotes a number, it is usually gross. From gross, deductions such as income tax (PPh 21) and social-security contributions (BPJS) are subtracted to give net — your take-home pay.

Always confirm which figure an offer refers to. A gross-to-net gap of 10–25% is normal, so a headline salary can look larger than what you receive.

Frequently asked questions about Gross vs net salary

Is the salary in a job ad gross or net?

Almost always gross — the amount before tax and deductions. Ask the recruiter to confirm the net figure so you know your actual take-home pay.