Take-home pay calculator (2026)
See what's left of your paycheck after federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes. Uses 2026 tax brackets for all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Your estimated take-home pay
–
Where your pay goes
| Per year | Per paycheck |
|---|
How this calculator works
We start with your yearly gross pay. Hourly pay is converted using your hours per week × 52 weeks. Pre-tax benefits and traditional 401(k) contributions come out first, then we calculate each tax:
- Federal income tax: we subtract the 2026 standard deduction and apply the federal brackets below to what's left.
- Social Security and Medicare (FICA): 6.2% and 1.45% of wages. 401(k) contributions don't reduce these taxes.
- State income tax: each state's own brackets, deductions and exemptions, including special rules such as phase-outs. Some states also take disability or long-term-care payroll deductions, which we include where noted.
The result is your estimated take-home pay for the year, divided by your number of paychecks. Read the full methodology for every assumption, or browse common salaries after taxes in every state.
2026 federal income tax brackets
These rates apply to taxable income, after the standard deduction.
| Rate | Single | Married filing jointly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $12,400 | $0 – $24,800 |
| 12% | $12,400 – $50,400 | $24,800 – $100,800 |
| 22% | $50,400 – $105,700 | $100,800 – $211,400 |
| 24% | $105,700 – $201,775 | $211,400 – $403,550 |
| 32% | $201,775 – $256,225 | $403,550 – $512,450 |
| 35% | $256,225 – $640,600 | $512,450 – $768,700 |
| 37% | Over $640,600 | Over $768,700 |
Standard deduction: $16,100 single, $32,200 married filing jointly.
What this estimate doesn't include
- Tax credits, such as the Child Tax Credit or Earned Income Tax Credit
- Head of household or married-filing-separately status
- Itemized deductions and income other than wages
- City and county income taxes, where they apply
- For married couples, a second earner's wages (enter your combined pay instead)
Frequently asked questions
How is take-home pay calculated?
Take-home pay is your gross pay minus pre-tax deductions (such as 401(k) contributions and health premiums), federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare taxes, and any state income or payroll taxes. This calculator applies the 2026 federal brackets and each state's 2026 rules to your yearly pay, then divides by your number of paychecks.
What is the standard deduction for 2026?
For 2026, the federal standard deduction is $16,100 for single filers and $32,200 for married couples filing jointly. Only income above the standard deduction is subject to federal income tax.
How much is taken out for Social Security and Medicare?
Employees pay 6.2% for Social Security on wages up to $184,500 in 2026, plus 1.45% for Medicare on all wages. An Additional Medicare Tax of 0.9% applies to wages above $200,000 for single filers ($250,000 for joint filers).
Which states have no income tax on wages?
Alaska, Florida, New Hampshire, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming don't tax wage income. Washington taxes some capital gains but not wages.
Does contributing to a 401(k) lower my taxes?
Yes. Traditional 401(k) contributions reduce your federal taxable income, and in most states your state taxable income too, so your take-home pay falls by less than the amount you contribute. They don't reduce Social Security or Medicare taxes. Pennsylvania taxes 401(k) contributions. The 2026 employee contribution limit is $24,500.
Why might my paycheck differ from this estimate?
Employers withhold using your W-4 and IRS withholding tables, which can differ slightly from your actual tax. Tax credits (such as the Child Tax Credit), other income, local taxes and benefits not entered here also change the result. Treat this as an estimate of what you'll owe for the year.
Sources
- IRS: Tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2026 (Rev. Proc. 2025-32)
- Social Security Administration: Contribution and benefit base
- IRS: Questions and answers for the Additional Medicare Tax
- IRS Notice 2025-67: 2026 retirement plan limits
- Tax Foundation: State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2026
Tax data last checked October 19, 2026.