US Paycheck Calculator
Estimate your take-home pay after federal tax, state tax and FICA - for any pay frequency and any state.
Figures use published 2026 IRS federal tax brackets and estimated average state tax rates. This is an estimate only - actual withholding depends on your W-4, local taxes and other factors. Consult a tax professional for exact figures.
Pay Details
Estimated State Income Tax Rates
| State | Est. Effective Rate |
|---|
Estimated flat effective rates for illustration only - actual state tax depends on brackets, credits and local taxes. Always check your state revenue department for exact figures.
2026 Standard Deductions
| Single | $16,100 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $32,200 |
| Married Filing Separately | $16,100 |
| Head of Household | $24,150 |
Quick Tips
- Increasing 401(k) contributions lowers your taxable income
- Nine states have no wage income tax
- Semi-monthly pay (24/year) differs from biweekly (26/year)
- Your actual withholding depends on your W-4 elections
Frequently Asked Questions
Your annual salary is first reduced by pre-tax deductions like 401(k) and HSA contributions. Federal income tax is then calculated using 2026 IRS brackets and the standard deduction, state tax is estimated using your state's average rate, and FICA (Social Security and Medicare) is calculated on gross wages. The remaining amount is divided by your number of pay periods per year to give your net pay per paycheck.
FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) funds Social Security (6.2% up to the annual wage base) and Medicare (1.45%, plus 0.9% extra on high earners). It is calculated on your gross wages rather than your taxable income, so it is worked out separately from federal and state income tax.
This calculator uses an approximate flat effective rate for each state to keep things simple. Real state income tax often uses its own brackets, credits, and local taxes that vary by county or city. Nine states (Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming) have no state wage tax at all.
Gross pay is your salary before any deductions. Net pay (take-home pay) is what actually lands in your bank account after federal tax, state tax, FICA, and any other pre-tax or post-tax deductions have been subtracted.
Pre-tax deductions such as 401(k) contributions, HSA and traditional health insurance premiums are subtracted from your gross pay before federal and state tax are calculated, which lowers your taxable income and your tax bill. Post-tax deductions are taken out after tax has already been calculated, so they reduce your net pay but not your taxable income.