Paycheck Calculator
Calculate your take-home pay after taxes and deductions
Pre-Tax Deductions (Annual)
About This Calculator
- - Uses 2024 federal income tax brackets and standard deduction
- - Includes Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) taxes
- - State income tax for all 50 states + DC
- - Supports pre-tax deductions (401k, health insurance)
- - For estimation purposes only; consult a tax professional for exact figures
How Is Your Paycheck Calculated?
Your paycheck starts with your gross salary — the total amount your employer pays you. Before the money reaches your bank account, several deductions are taken out:
Federal Income Tax
Based on your taxable income and filing status using progressive tax brackets (10% to 37%).
State Income Tax
Varies by state — 0% in nine states up to 13.3% in California. Some use flat rates, others have brackets.
Social Security (FICA)
6.2% of earnings up to $168,600 (2024 wage base limit). Your employer pays a matching 6.2%.
Medicare (FICA)
1.45% on all earnings, plus an additional 0.9% on income over $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married).
2024 Federal Tax Brackets
| Rate | Single | Married Filing Jointly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | Up to $11,600 | Up to $23,200 |
| 12% | $11,601 – $47,150 | $23,201 – $94,300 |
| 22% | $47,151 – $100,525 | $94,301 – $201,050 |
| 24% | $100,526 – $191,950 | $201,051 – $383,900 |
| 32% | $191,951 – $243,725 | $383,901 – $487,450 |
| 35% | $243,726 – $609,350 | $487,451 – $731,200 |
| 37% | Over $609,350 | Over $731,200 |
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your annual salary — your total gross pay before any deductions.
- Select filing status — Single, Married Filing Jointly, or Head of Household.
- Choose your state — this determines your state income tax rate.
- Set pay frequency — how often you get paid (weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly).
- Add pre-tax deductions — include 401(k) contributions, health insurance, or other pre-tax amounts.
- View results — see your per-paycheck and annual breakdown instantly.
States With No Income Tax
- ✓ Alaska
- ✓ Florida
- ✓ Nevada
- ✓ New Hampshire*
- ✓ South Dakota
- ✓ Tennessee
- ✓ Texas
- ✓ Washington
- ✓ Wyoming
*NH taxes only dividends and interest income.
Tips to Maximize Take-Home Pay
- ✓ Contribute to a 401(k) to lower taxable income.
- ✓ Use an HSA/FSA for health expenses (pre-tax).
- ✓ Adjust your W-4 to avoid over-withholding.
- ✓ Claim all eligible deductions and credits at tax time.
Key 2024 Numbers
- Standard Deduction (Single)
- $14,600
- Standard Deduction (MFJ)
- $29,200
- SS Wage Base
- $168,600
- 401(k) Contribution Limit
- $23,000
- Medicare Additional Tax Threshold
- $200,000 (Single)
Frequently Asked Questions
How is my take-home pay calculated?
Your take-home pay is your gross salary minus federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), and any pre-tax deductions like 401(k) contributions and health insurance premiums. This calculator uses 2024 tax brackets to give you an accurate estimate.
What are FICA taxes?
FICA stands for Federal Insurance Contributions Act. It includes Social Security tax (6.2% on the first $168,600 of earnings in 2024) and Medicare tax (1.45% on all earnings, plus an additional 0.9% on earnings over $200,000 for single filers). Your employer also pays a matching amount.
Which states have no income tax?
Nine states have no state income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire (dividends/interest only), South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Living in these states means more take-home pay, though other taxes (property, sales) may be higher.
How does filing status affect my paycheck?
Your filing status determines your tax brackets and standard deduction. Married Filing Jointly generally has wider tax brackets and a larger standard deduction ($29,200 vs $14,600 for single in 2024), resulting in lower taxes and higher take-home pay at the same income level.
How do 401(k) contributions affect my taxes?
Traditional 401(k) contributions are made with pre-tax dollars, meaning they reduce your taxable income. For example, contributing $500 per month reduces your annual taxable income by $6,000, which lowers both federal and state income taxes. However, you will pay taxes when you withdraw in retirement.
What is the difference between bi-weekly and semi-monthly pay?
Bi-weekly pay means you get paid every two weeks (26 paychecks per year). Semi-monthly pay means you get paid twice a month on fixed dates like the 1st and 15th (24 paychecks per year). Bi-weekly results in slightly smaller but more frequent paychecks.