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Free letter template · Word

Variable Pay Letter

A variable pay letter tells an employee how much of the variable component in their CTC is being paid for a period, based on the agreed performance measures. It closes the loop between the target variable shown in the offer letter and the amount actually received.

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  • Made for India
  • 17 fill-in fields highlighted
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Preview of the letter

[Highlighted] = fill in
[Company Logo][Company Name]

VARIABLE PAY LETTER

Ref. No.:
[Reference Number]
Date:
[Date]

Private and Confidential
To,
[Employee Name]
Employee ID: [Employee ID]
[Designation], [Department]

Subject: Variable Pay Payout for [Period]

Dear [Employee Name],
As you know, your compensation includes a target variable pay component linked to performance. We are writing to confirm your variable pay for [Period], determined as per the [Variable Pay Policy Name].

ParticularsDetails
Annual Target Variable Pay (as per CTC)₹[Amount]
Target for this Period₹[Amount]
Months Eligible in Period[Number]
Individual Performance Achievement[Percentage]%
Business Performance Achievement[Percentage]%
Overall Payout Percentage[Percentage]%
Variable Pay Payable₹[Amount]
Payable With Salary of[Month YYYY]

[Explanation – e.g. The business achieved Percentage% of its annual plan, which resulted in a payout below target for all employees. Your individual achievement was strong, and this is reflected in your individual factor.]

The payout is subject to TDS. For any clarification, please speak to [Reporting Manager] or [HR Name].

Thank you for your contribution.

For [Company Name]
[Authorised Signatory]
[Designation]

What this template includes

  • Target variable as per CTC
  • Performance basis and achievement percentage
  • Final payout amount
  • Pro-rating for service, if applicable
  • Payment month
  • Short explanation if payout differs from target

When to use it

  • Annual or half-yearly payout of the variable component in CTC
  • Explaining why the payout is below or above 100% of target
  • Communicating variable pay after appraisal ratings are finalised
  • Paying variable pay pro-rata to a mid-year joiner

How to customise this template

  1. 1Insert the target variable from the employee's CTC annexure
  2. 2Fill the payout percentage from the variable pay policy
  3. 3Add a short explanation for payout below or above 100%
  4. 4Remove the pro-rating row for full-period employees

HR tips

  • Communicate honestly when payout is low and explain why
  • Keep wording consistent with the CTC annexure
  • Pay on the same schedule each year
  • Remind employees that variable pay is not guaranteed

For HR & hiring managers

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Frequently asked questions

What is variable pay in salary?+

Variable pay is the performance-linked portion of CTC that is paid only if individual and company performance conditions are met.

Why did I get less variable pay than my CTC shows?+

The CTC shows target variable pay. Actual payout depends on ratings and company results, so it can be lower or higher than target.

Is variable pay paid monthly?+

It varies by company. It may be paid monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or annually as stated in your offer letter or policy.