Paycheck Calculator
Calculate your take-home pay after taxes and deductions
Understanding your actual take-home pay is essential for budgeting and financial planning. Our paycheck calculator shows you exactly how much you'll receive after federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and any deductions. Works for both salary and hourly employees in all 50 US states with 2025 tax brackets.
Open Source & Transparent
All calculations are open source and verifiable on GitHub. We use 2025 IRS tax brackets and official FICA rates. Suggestions welcome.
Your Take-Home Pay
Bi-weekly Paycheck71% of gross
$2,044.94
Gross Pay
$2,884.62
Total Taxes
$839.67
Annual Net
$53,169
Effective Tax Rate
29.1%
Pay Type
Income Details
≈ $36.06/hour
State
State Tax Rate
Up to 13.3%
Federal Tax Bracket
Marginal Rate
22%
Effective Rate
29.1%
$28,350 until 24% bracket
FICA Taxes (2025)
Tips
• 401(k) reduces taxable income
• HSA is triple tax-advantaged
• Review your W-4 withholdings
• No state tax states boost take-home
How Your Paycheck Is Calculated
Your take-home pay (net pay) is what remains after all taxes and deductions are subtracted from your gross pay. Understanding this breakdown helps you budget accurately, maximize tax-advantaged benefits, and make informed decisions about where to live and work.
Paycheck Tax Components
Federal Income Tax
Progressive brackets from 10% to 37% based on taxable income and filing status.
State Income Tax
Varies by state from 0% to 13.3%. Nine states have no income tax.
Social Security (OASDI)
6.2% on earnings up to $176,100 (2025). Your employer pays matching 6.2%.
Medicare (HI)
1.45% on all earnings, plus 0.9% additional on income over $200,000 (single).
2025 Federal Tax Brackets
| Rate | Single | Married Filing Jointly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $11,925 | $0 – $23,850 |
| 12% | $11,925 – $48,475 | $23,850 – $96,950 |
| 22% | $48,475 – $103,350 | $96,950 – $206,700 |
| 24% | $103,350 – $197,300 | $206,700 – $394,600 |
| 32% | $197,300 – $250,525 | $394,600 – $501,050 |
| 35% | $250,525 – $626,350 | $501,050 – $751,600 |
| 37% | $626,350+ | $751,600+ |
*Standard deduction for 2025: $15,000 (single), $30,000 (married filing jointly)
States With No Income Tax
Alaska
Florida
Nevada
New Hampshire
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Washington
Wyoming
Living in a no-income-tax state can significantly boost your take-home pay. Use the Comparison tab to see exactly how much you could save by relocating.
Maximize Pre-Tax Deductions
401(k) / 403(b)
Contribute up to $23,500 in 2025 ($31,000 if 50+). Reduces taxable income dollar-for-dollar and grows tax-deferred.
HSA (Health Savings Account)
Triple tax advantage: tax-deductible contributions, tax-free growth, tax-free withdrawals for medical expenses. 2025 limits: $4,300 (individual), $8,550 (family).
FSA (Flexible Spending Account)
Set aside up to $3,300 pre-tax for medical expenses. Dependent care FSA allows up to $5,000 for childcare costs.
Health Insurance Premiums
Employer-sponsored health insurance premiums are typically deducted pre-tax, reducing your taxable income automatically.
Common Paycheck Mistakes to Avoid
- • Not maximizing 401(k) match – Free money from your employer; always contribute enough to get the full match.
- • Confusing gross vs net pay – Budget based on take-home pay, not your salary.
- • Wrong W-4 withholdings – Large refunds mean you gave the IRS an interest-free loan. Adjust your W-4.
- • Ignoring HSA benefits – If eligible, HSAs offer better tax advantages than 401(k)s for healthcare costs.
- • Forgetting about state taxes – Moving states can dramatically impact take-home pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's 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 federal taxes, state taxes, FICA, and other deductions are subtracted.
Why is my first paycheck different from my regular paycheck? ▼
First paychecks are often prorated based on your start date. They may also have different deduction amounts as benefits enrollment takes effect, or one-time deductions for equipment or uniforms.
How can I increase my take-home pay? ▼
Maximize pre-tax deductions (401k, HSA, FSA), review your W-4 withholdings to avoid over-withholding, take advantage of commuter benefits, and consider the tax implications of where you live.
What is the Social Security wage base limit? ▼
In 2025, Social Security tax (6.2%) only applies to the first $176,100 of wages. Once you reach this limit, you stop paying Social Security tax for the rest of the year, increasing your take-home pay.
Should I choose traditional or Roth 401(k)? ▼
Traditional 401(k) reduces your current taxable income; Roth 401(k) doesn't but grows tax-free. Choose Roth if you expect higher taxes in retirement (early career, low current income). Choose traditional if you're in peak earning years or expect lower retirement taxes.
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