Calculate your net take-home pay after taxes and deductions
Our free online salary calculator helps you estimate your take-home pay after accounting for federal taxes, state taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and common deductions like 401(k) contributions. Based on current US tax brackets, this tool provides accurate estimates for any pay frequency. Simply enter your gross salary, select your filing status and pay period, and see your net pay breakdown instantly. No account required—just fast, accurate calculations for your financial planning.
The calculator uses progressive federal tax brackets to determine your federal income tax liability, with rates ranging from 10% to 37% depending on your taxable income and filing status. State tax is calculated based on your specified state tax rate applied to your taxable income. Social Security is taxed at 6.2% of your gross wages (up to the annual wage base limit), while Medicare is taxed at 1.45% with no income limit.
Your taxable income is your gross salary minus pre-tax deductions like 401(k) contributions and other specified deductions. The calculator then subtracts all taxes and deductions from your gross pay to determine your net take-home amount, breaking down the results by pay period (weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly) so you can see exactly how much you'll bring home in each paycheck.
The results display your total deductions breakdown, including federal and state taxes, FICA taxes, and voluntary deductions. Your effective tax rate shows what percentage of your gross income goes to taxes, helping you understand the overall tax burden. All calculations use current tax year brackets and are updated annually to reflect tax law changes.
Gross pay is your total earnings before any deductions, while net pay (take-home pay) is what remains after taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and other deductions are subtracted. Net pay is the amount that actually goes into your bank account.
The US uses a progressive tax system, meaning different portions of your income are taxed at different rates. Only the income within each bracket range is taxed at that bracket's rate, not your entire income. This results in an effective tax rate lower than your top marginal rate.
FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) tax consists of Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) taxes, totaling 7.65% of your gross wages. Your employer matches this amount. Social Security has a wage base limit that changes annually, while Medicare has no income limit.
401(k) contributions are pre-tax, meaning they reduce your taxable income now and grow tax-deferred until retirement. Many employers offer matching contributions, which is essentially free money. Consider contributing at least enough to get your full employer match.
Your filing status determines which tax brackets apply to you and affects your standard deduction. Single filers have the lowest standard deduction, while married filing jointly and head of household have higher thresholds, often resulting in lower taxes for the same income level.
This calculator uses current federal tax brackets and standard deduction amounts to provide estimates. However, tax situations can be complex with additional factors like itemized deductions, tax credits, and state-specific rules. For precise tax planning, consult a qualified tax professional.