2026 · all 50 states
Take-Home Pay Calculator
Your real paycheck after tax — instantly, as you type. No button, no sign-up.
Annual breakdown
How this calculator works
Enter a salary and the tool instantly applies the 2026 federal tax brackets, the standard deduction, Social Security (6.2% up to the $184,500 wage base), Medicare (1.45%), your 401(k), and an estimated state income tax. There is no Calculate button and nothing is sent to a server — everything runs on your device. Switch to Compare mode to weigh two job offers or two states side by side and see exactly which one leaves more in your pocket.
Quick answer
Take-home pay is your salary minus federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, state tax and pre-tax benefits. For most single US workers without state income tax, expect to keep roughly 78–85% of gross pay — the calculator above gives your exact figure, including a two-state comparison.
The four deductions, explained
- Federal income tax is progressive: after the $16,100 standard deduction (single, 2026), income fills brackets from 10% to 37%. Only the slice inside each bracket pays that rate — earning into a higher bracket never reduces your net.
- Social Security takes 6.2% of wages up to the 2026 cap of $184,500; income above the cap pays none.
- Medicare takes 1.45% on every dollar, with a 0.9% surtax past $200,000.
- State income tax ranges from zero (Texas, Florida, Washington and six others) to 13%+ in California's top brackets — the single biggest reason identical salaries feel different across states.
Step-by-step: a $60,000 salary (single, no state tax)
- Taxable income: 60,000 − 16,100 standard deduction = $43,900.
- Federal tax: 10% on the first 12,400 ($1,240) + 12% on the remaining 31,500 ($3,780) = $5,020.
- FICA: 7.65% of 60,000 = $4,590.
- Take-home: $50,390 per year — about $4,199/month or $1,938 biweekly.
Take-home at common salaries (2026, single, no state)
| Gross | Federal tax | FICA | Take-home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $45,000 | $3,220 | $3,442 | $38,338 |
| $60,000 | $5,020 | $4,590 | $50,390 |
| $75,000 | $7,670 | $5,738 | $61,592 |
| $100,000 | $13,170 | $7,650 | $79,180 |
| $150,000 | $24,734 | $11,475 | $113,791 |
Notice the effective rate creeping up — from about 18% total at $45,000 to 25%+ at $150,000 — that is progressivity working, bracket by bracket. Full salary-by-salary breakdowns live in the salary guides.
Common mistakes
- “A raise into a new bracket loses me money” — mathematically impossible; only the new dollars pay the new rate.
- Confusing withholding with tax. Your W-4 sets what is withheld per paycheck; your real tax settles on the return. Big refunds mean you over-withheld all year.
- Ignoring pre-tax levers. 401(k) and HSA contributions cut taxable income now — $6,000 into a 401(k) at the 22% bracket saves about $1,320 federal tax.
- Comparing job offers across states on gross pay. $80,000 in Austin and $80,000 in Los Angeles are different real incomes.
Sources: IRS 2026 inflation adjustments (brackets, standard deduction); SSA 2026 wage-base announcement ($184,500). Estimates for education — payroll withholding also reflects your W-4 and benefits. Last updated: July 2026.
Questions
How accurate is the state tax?
State income tax uses a simplified flat estimate per state (and $0 for the nine no-income-tax states). It is close for planning and great for comparing states, but it is not an exact return. Your real state tax depends on brackets, credits, and local taxes.
Does 401(k) reduce my take-home pay?
Traditional 401(k) money is taken out before federal income tax, lowering your tax, but it goes to retirement rather than your paycheck. It does not reduce Social Security or Medicare.
Can I compare two states?
Yes. In Compare mode, set different states (and salaries) for A and B to see which nets more per year — useful when deciding between job offers or a move.
Why is my paycheck smaller than salary ÷ 12?
Withholding for federal tax, FICA, state tax and benefits comes out before deposit. Salary ÷ 12 is gross; your deposit is net.
Which states have no income tax?
Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming — use the compare mode above to see the difference for your salary.
How does 401(k) change take-home?
Traditional contributions reduce taxable income, so each $100 contributed costs only $70–$78 of net pay in common brackets — the calculator's 401(k) field shows your exact trade.
What is FICA on my paystub?
Social Security (6.2%, capped at $184,500 wages in 2026) plus Medicare (1.45%, uncapped) — 7.65% total, matched by your employer.
Is overtime or bonus taxed at a higher rate?
No — they are ordinary income. Bonuses are often withheld at a flat 22%, but your true rate settles at filing. See the bonus tax calculator.