US Paycheck Calculator
Calculate your take-home pay after federal taxes, state taxes, Social Security, and Medicare. Includes all 50 states with 2024 tax brackets.
US Paycheck Calculator
Calculate your take-home pay after taxes and deductions
Income Details
Tax Status
Pre-tax Deductions (per paycheck)
Your Take-Home Pay
$2,074.87
per paycheck
$2,884.62
before taxes
$809.75
taxes + pre-tax
$2,074.87
take-home
28.1%
of gross pay
Annual Summary
Deduction Breakdown (per paycheck)
Federal Taxes
State Taxes
Understanding Your Paycheck
Your paycheck goes through multiple deductions before reaching your bank account. Understanding these deductions helps you plan your budget, optimize your tax situation, and make informed decisions about retirement contributions.
Common Paycheck Deductions
- Federal Income Tax: Progressive tax based on your income bracket (10-37%)
- State Income Tax: Varies by state (0% to 13.3% in California)
- Social Security: 6.2% on wages up to $176,100 (2025)
- Medicare: 1.45% on all wages, plus 0.9% above $200,000
Maximize Your Take-Home Pay
Pre-Tax Strategies
- 401(k): Up to $23,000/year reduces taxable income
- HSA: $4,150 individual / $8,300 family (2024)
- FSA: $3,200 for healthcare, $5,000 for dependent care
- Commuter Benefits: $315/month for transit or parking
Tax-Efficient States
- No Income Tax: TX, FL, WA, NV, WY, SD, TN, NH, AK
- Low Tax: ND (2.5%), AZ (2.5%), PA (3.07%)
- High Tax: CA (13.3%), NY (10.9%), NJ (10.75%)
Frequently Asked Questions
How is my take-home pay calculated?
Take-home pay is your gross pay minus all deductions: federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), and any pre-tax deductions like 401(k) or HSA contributions. Our calculator uses 2024 tax brackets for accurate estimates.
What is the difference between gross and net pay?
Gross pay is your total earnings before any deductions. Net pay (take-home pay) is what you actually receive after taxes and deductions. For most workers, net pay is 65-80% of gross pay, depending on tax bracket and state.
How do pre-tax deductions affect my paycheck?
Pre-tax deductions (401k, HSA, FSA) reduce your taxable income, which lowers your tax bill. For example, a $500 401(k) contribution might only reduce your take-home pay by $350-400 because you save on taxes. This is essentially 'free money' savings.
Why does my state tax vary so much?
States set their own income tax rates. Nine states (TX, FL, WA, NV, WY, SD, TN, NH, AK) have no income tax. California and New York have rates over 9% for high earners. Moving to a no-tax state can significantly increase take-home pay.
What is FICA and why is it on my paycheck?
FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) includes Social Security (6.2% up to $176,100 in 2025) and Medicare (1.45% on all wages, plus 0.9% additional Medicare tax on wages over $200,000). Your employer pays a matching amount.
How accurate is this paycheck calculator?
Our calculator uses 2024 federal tax brackets and current state rates for accurate estimates. However, actual pay may vary due to local taxes, specific deductions, or employer withholding differences. It's designed for planning, not exact payroll calculations.
Should I adjust my W-4 withholding?
If you consistently get large tax refunds (over $1,000), you're overwithholding - adjust your W-4 to increase take-home pay. If you owe taxes at filing, increase withholding to avoid penalties. Aim for roughly breaking even.
How much should I contribute to my 401(k)?
At minimum, contribute enough to get your full employer match (typically 3-6%). The 2024 limit is $23,000 ($30,500 if 50+). Many financial experts recommend saving 15-20% of income for retirement, including employer match.
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