Finance
Paycheck Calculator (US, 2026)
Calculate your take-home pay with federal, state, and FICA taxes. All 50 states. Weekly, biweekly, monthly.
Pre-tax deductions
Take-home pay
$2,104.52
every 2 weeks (26 pay periods/year)
$54,717 per year
Tax breakdown (annual)
Gross income
$75,000
Pre-tax 401(k)
-$3,750
Pre-tax HSA
-$0
Federal income tax
10.0% effective
-$7,516
California state tax
4.4% effective
-$3,279
Social Security (6.2%)
-$4,650
Medicare (1.45%)
-$1,088
Net annual
$54,717
How this calculator works
We use the 2026 federal income tax brackets (inflation-adjusted), 2026 FICA caps ($168,600 Social Security wage base), and current state income tax rates for all 50 states + DC. Pre-tax 401(k) and HSA contributions reduce your taxable income.
Disclaimer:This is an educational estimate, not tax advice. Local city taxes, complex deductions, and W-4 nuances are not modeled. For accurate paycheck-to-the-penny figures, use your employer's payroll system or consult a CPA.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is take-home pay calculated?▾
Gross pay → minus pre-tax deductions (401k, HSA) → minus federal income tax (progressive brackets) → minus state income tax → minus FICA (Social Security 6.2% + Medicare 1.45%) → minus post-tax deductions = net pay.
What is FICA?▾
FICA = Federal Insurance Contributions Act. Funds Social Security (6.2% of wages up to $168,600 in 2026) and Medicare (1.45% of all wages, plus 0.9% additional on wages over $200K single / $250K married). Both employee and employer pay 7.65% each.
Does this include local/city taxes?▾
No — only federal and state. Cities like NYC, Philadelphia, Detroit, and several Ohio cities have their own income taxes (typically 1-4%). For accuracy in those locations, subtract the local rate manually from your net.
Should I increase my 401(k) contribution?▾
For most people, yes — every dollar contributed pre-tax saves you 22-37 cents in federal tax (your marginal rate) right now. Always contribute at least enough to capture your employer match — that's an instant 50-100% return.
Why is my actual paycheck different?▾
Your real paycheck depends on W-4 settings (extra withholding, dependents, multiple jobs), pre-tax health/dental/vision/disability insurance, after-tax Roth 401k vs traditional, garnishments, and local taxes. This calculator gives a baseline estimate.