How this salary after tax calculator works
Enter your annual salary, filing status and state tax rate. The calculator subtracts pre-tax contributions such as a 401(k), applies the 2026 US federal income tax brackets and standard deduction, then adds Social Security (6.2% up to the wage base) and Medicare (1.45%) plus the flat state rate you enter.
What's left is your take-home pay, shown per year, month, two weeks, week, day and hour. The table breaks down exactly where each dollar of your gross salary goes.
Gross vs. net salary
Gross salary is the number in your offer letter. Net salary — take-home pay — is what lands in your bank account after taxes and deductions. Because US federal tax is progressive, only the income within each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate, so your effective tax rate is lower than your top bracket.
Ways to increase your take-home pay
- Contribute to a 401(k) or HSA. Traditional contributions lower the income your federal tax is based on.
- Check your state's rate. Nine states have no wage income tax; others range from about 2% to over 10%. Enter a flat estimate in the state field.
- Use the hourly figure to compare jobs with different weekly hours on equal footing.
- Compare with your pay stub. Health premiums, local taxes and other deductions vary, so treat this as a close estimate.
Frequently asked questions
How is salary after tax calculated?
Start with gross pay, subtract pre-tax deductions, apply federal income tax brackets after the standard deduction, then subtract Social Security, Medicare and state tax. The remainder is your net, or take-home, pay.
Which taxes does this include?
US federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare (including the additional Medicare tax on high wages) and a flat state income tax rate that you enter. Local taxes and unusual credits are not included.
Why is my paycheck different from this estimate?
Your employer withholds using your W-4, and pay stubs may include health premiums, local taxes, garnishments and benefits. The calculator is a planning estimate, not a payroll figure.
How do I find my state tax rate?
Check your state revenue department's website for its income tax rate or brackets and enter an approximate flat rate. States with no wage income tax can stay at 0%.
What is the effective tax rate?
It's your total taxes divided by your gross salary. It's lower than your top federal bracket because each bracket only applies to the slice of income within it.
This calculator is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Consult a licensed tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.