Enter your pay details
Start with gross pay, then adjust deductions if you want a more realistic take-home estimate.
Estimated annual deductions
Important calculator assumptions
FICA: When selected, this calculator estimates employee Social Security at 6.2% up to the annual Social Security wage base, plus Medicare at 1.45% of wages. Some workers may not have FICA withheld, so the calculator lets you turn that estimate off.
Federal tax: Federal income tax withholding is not one flat formula. It depends on your Form W-4, filing status, dependents, credits, pre-tax deductions, payroll frequency, and employer payroll setup.
State tax: State income tax varies by state. Some states have no state income tax, while others use flat or graduated rates. Check your state Department of Revenue or official state tax agency for current rules.
Why your paycheck is lower than your salary
Many people accept a salary expecting one number, then feel shocked when the actual paycheck is lower. That gap usually comes from payroll deductions. Taxes, healthcare, retirement contributions, insurance, FICA withholding, and state or local requirements can all reduce the amount that lands in your bank account.
Taxes come out first.
Federal income taxes, possible state or local income taxes, and payroll taxes can reduce your paycheck before you ever see it.
Benefits can change the number.
Health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, and other benefits may be deducted from each paycheck depending on your employer.
Retirement matters too.
401(k), 403(b), or other retirement contributions can lower take-home pay now while helping your future finances.
Gross pay vs. take-home pay
Gross pay is the amount you earn before deductions. Take-home pay, also called net pay, is what remains after taxes and deductions. When comparing jobs, both numbers matter.
Gross Pay
- Before taxes and deductions
- The number often listed in job offers
- Used to calculate annual salary
- Usually larger than your paycheck
Take-Home Pay
- After taxes and deductions
- The money that reaches your bank account
- Used for budgeting real life expenses
- Can vary by state, benefits, FICA, and tax setup
What affects net pay?
Two people making the same salary may bring home different paychecks. Net pay depends on where you live, your deductions, your benefits, your retirement choices, and your tax situation.
Federal withholding depends on income, filing status, dependents, credits, and Form W-4 choices.
Some states have income tax, some do not. Local taxes may also apply.
Many employees have Social Security and Medicare withheld, but some jobs or payroll categories may be exempt.
Medical, dental, vision, and other benefits can reduce each paycheck.
401(k), 403(b), and similar contributions can change take-home pay.
Weekly, biweekly, semi-monthly, and monthly pay schedules can make income feel different.
Salary calculator FAQ
How do I calculate hourly pay to salary?
Multiply your hourly rate by your hours per week, then multiply that number by the number of weeks you work per year. For example, $25/hour × 40 hours × 52 weeks equals $52,000 before taxes and deductions.
Is this calculator exact?
No. This calculator gives an estimate. Actual paychecks depend on federal taxes, state taxes, deductions, benefits, filing status, Form W-4 choices, and employer payroll settings.
What is FICA?
FICA commonly refers to Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes. Some workers may be exempt or may have different payroll rules, so this calculator allows you to turn the FICA estimate on or off.
Where can I check my state tax rules?
Check your state Department of Revenue, Department of Taxation, or official state tax agency website. State income tax rules can change, and some states do not collect state income tax.
What is the difference between gross and net pay?
Gross pay is what you earn before deductions. Net pay, or take-home pay, is what remains after taxes, benefits, retirement contributions, and other deductions.
Disclaimer
This calculator is for educational estimates only. It is not tax, payroll, legal, or financial advice. Actual take-home pay may vary based on your W-4, filing status, dependents, pre-tax deductions, employer benefits, FICA status, state and local taxes, retirement contributions, bonuses, overtime, and payroll frequency. For exact withholding, review your pay stub, employer payroll portal, IRS Form W-4 guidance, and your state tax agency.