Paycheck Calculator
Estimate your net take-home pay after federal and state taxes.
How is take-home pay calculated?
Your net paycheck is your gross salary minus federal income tax, state income tax (where applicable), and FICA payroll taxes (Social Security and Medicare). Pre-tax deductions like 401(k) contributions and health insurance premiums reduce your taxable income before these taxes are applied.
Why does my state matter?
Nine states — including Texas, Florida and Washington — charge no state income tax at all, while others like California and New York have higher marginal rates. This calculator uses a simplified effective state tax rate for quick estimates; see our state-specific paycheck pages for details on each state.
This tool provides an estimate for planning purposes only and is not a substitute for a licensed tax professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much of my paycheck goes to taxes?
It depends on your income, filing status, and state. Most workers lose roughly 20-35% of gross pay to combined federal tax, state tax (where applicable), and FICA — use the calculator above with your own numbers for an exact estimate.
What's the difference between gross pay and net pay?
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 pre-tax deductions like 401(k) or health insurance are subtracted.
Which states have no income tax?
Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming charge no state income tax. Select your state above, or visit our state-specific paycheck pages, to see the exact impact.
Does increasing my 401(k) contribution increase my take-home pay?
It reduces your take-home pay in the short term since more money is set aside, but it also lowers your taxable income — so the actual reduction in your paycheck is smaller than the contribution amount because you pay less tax on it.
Why is my paycheck different every pay period?
Overtime, bonuses, changes in benefit deductions, or hitting the annual Social Security wage cap partway through the year can all change your paycheck amount even when your salary stays the same.