Take-Home Pay Calculator (2026)
Enter your gross salary to estimate what actually lands in your bank account after federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, 401(k) contributions, and state tax.
No state income tax: AK, FL, NV, NH, SD, TN, TX, WA, WY — leave 0. Typical elsewhere: 3–7% (CA up to 13.3%, flat states like CO ~4.4%).
What comes out of a US paycheck
| Deduction | 2026 rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Federal income tax | 10%–37% (7 brackets) | Progressive — only income within each bracket is taxed at that rate |
| Social Security | 6.2% | On wages up to the annual wage-base cap (~$184,000 in 2026) |
| Medicare | 1.45% | +0.9% extra on wages over $200,000 |
| State income tax | 0%–13.3% | Nine states charge none |
| 401(k) / benefits | your choice | Traditional 401(k) reduces federal taxable income (not FICA) |
2026 federal brackets used by this calculator
Standard deduction: $16,100 single / $32,200 married filing jointly (per IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32). Brackets for single filers: 10% to $12,400 · 12% to $50,400 · 22% to $105,700 · 24% to $201,775 · 32% to $256,225 · 35% to $640,600 · 37% above (married thresholds are double). The calculator applies the standard deduction automatically.
Marginal vs. effective rate — the misunderstanding that costs people money
Being "in the 22% bracket" does not mean you pay 22% on everything. A single filer earning $75,000 pays 10% on the first slice, 12% on the next, and 22% only on the top portion — an effective federal rate of about 10%, not 22%. A raise can never leave you with less money because of taxes (only benefit cliffs can do that).
Easy ways to raise your take-home percentage
- Traditional 401(k): contributions skip federal (and usually state) income tax now. If your employer matches, contribute at least to the match — it's an instant 100% return.
- HSA: if you have a high-deductible health plan, HSA money skips federal income tax and FICA — the only account that dodges both.
- Check your W-4: big refunds mean you over-withheld all year — an interest-free loan to the government.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is this calculator?
It applies the official 2026 federal brackets, standard deduction, and FICA rates. It simplifies state tax to a flat rate you enter and doesn't model itemized deductions, tax credits (like the child tax credit), pre-tax health premiums, or local city taxes — treat results as a close planning estimate, not a payroll statement.
Why is my actual paycheck different?
Employers withhold based on your W-4, which may not match your true annual liability, and deduct benefits (health insurance, HSA) this calculator doesn't know about. The annual figure is the better guide.
Does the 401(k) percentage reduce all taxes?
Traditional 401(k) contributions reduce federal (and most state) income tax, but not Social Security or Medicare. The calculator handles this correctly.
What percentage of salary is take-home, typically?
For most US earners between $50k and $150k with no state tax it's roughly 75–82% of gross; in higher-tax states, 68–78%.
This tool is for general information only and is not tax advice. For filing decisions, consult a tax professional.