US Paycheck Calculator — Take-Home Pay 2026
Net pay per paycheck for 2026 after federal withholding, Social Security, Medicare, 401(k), pre-tax health premiums and a state estimate — bi-weekly, semi-monthly, monthly or weekly. IRS and SSA figures checked.
| Gross per paycheck | — |
|---|---|
| Pre-tax deductions | — |
| Federal income tax (estimated withholding) | — |
| Social Security (6.2%) | — |
| Medicare (1.45% + 0.9% above threshold) | — |
| State / local tax | — |
| Post-tax deductions | — |
| Annual summary | — |
| Effective total tax rate | — |
In short
A US paycheck loses federal income tax (withheld per your W-4 using the 2026 brackets after the standard deduction), 6.2% Social Security up to the $184,500 wage base, 1.45% Medicare (plus 0.9% above $200,000), state income tax, and pre-tax deductions such as 401(k) and health premiums. On an $85,000 salary with 6% 401(k) and 5% state tax, bi-weekly take-home is about $2,254 — roughly 21% of gross goes to taxes.
Who this is for: US employees checking a job offer or a pay stub, and anyone budgeting from gross salary.
What comes out of a US paycheck
- Pre-tax deductions reduce taxable wages: 401(k)/403(b) (up to $24,500 in 2026 — still subject to Social Security and Medicare), and Section 125 health premiums, HSA and FSA (exempt from FICA too).
- Federal income tax is withheld per your W-4; this calculator approximates it with the 2026 brackets and standard deduction.
- Social Security 6.2% up to the $184,500 wage base (employer matches); Medicare 1.45% on all wages plus 0.9% above $200,000 (single) / $250,000 (joint) — withheld on wages over $200,000 regardless of status.
- State and local income tax: none in nine states; flat in about a dozen; progressive elsewhere. Enter your approximate overall rate.
- Post-tax: Roth contributions, garnishments, union dues, after-tax benefits.
Assumptions
- Federal withholding ≈ annual tax on wages after 401(k) and §125 deductions and the standard deduction, divided by pay periods, plus extra W-4 withholding.
- Social Security 6.2% on FICA wages up to $184,500; Medicare 1.45% plus 0.9% above the status threshold; 401(k) deferrals are FICA-taxable, health/HSA are not.
- State = flat % of federal taxable wages; local taxes excluded.
Worked example
Gross $3,269 per paycheck. Pre-tax: 401(k) $196 + health $120. Federal income tax about $310 per paycheck ($8,062 a year on $60,680 taxable), Social Security $195, Medicare $46, state $148. Take-home about $2,254 per paycheck — $58,600 a year, $4,885 a month. Total tax about 21.4% of gross.
Frequently asked questions
How much is taken out of a paycheck for taxes?
Typically 20–30% of gross for federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare, plus 0–10% state; the exact figure depends on filing status, deductions and state.
Is 401(k) exempt from Social Security tax?
No — 401(k) contributions avoid federal income tax but still have Social Security and Medicare withheld; Section 125 health premiums and HSA contributions avoid both.
Why does my federal withholding differ from this?
Your W-4 may claim dependents, other income or extra withholding; this estimate assumes a W-4 with no adjustments. Use the extra-withholding field to match your pay stub.
What is the 2026 Social Security wage base?
$184,500 — wages above that are not subject to the 6.2% Social Security tax, though Medicare continues.
What is my take-home on $60,000?
Roughly $47,400–$50,400 a year for a single filer depending on state tax — about $1,820–$1,940 bi-weekly before benefits.
Does Medicare tax have a cap?
No — 1.45% applies to all wages, and an extra 0.9% is withheld above $200,000.
People also ask
How much is $60,000 a year after taxes?
Roughly $48,000–$50,000 depending on state — federal tax about $5,000, FICA $4,590, plus state tax where it applies.
What is taken out of my paycheck?
Federal income tax withholding, Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), state and sometimes local income tax, plus pre-tax deductions like 401(k) and health premiums.
How do I reduce withholding?
Adjust your W-4 (claim dependents, add deductions) or raise pre-tax 401(k) and HSA contributions; over-withholding just lends the IRS money until your refund.
Which states have no income tax?
Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.
Is the Social Security tax capped?
Yes — 6.2% applies only up to the annual wage base ($184,500 for 2026); Medicare has no cap and adds 0.9% above $200,000.
How much is biweekly pay on $50,000?
$1,923 gross per paycheck (26 periods); net is typically $1,500–$1,600 after federal, FICA and state tax.
Does a 401(k) contribution reduce take-home?
By less than the contribution: a $500 pre-tax contribution in the 22% bracket cuts take-home by about $390 because it avoids income tax (not FICA).
Why is my bonus taxed at 22%?
Employers must withhold a flat 22% on supplemental wages up to $1 million; the actual tax is settled at your marginal rate on the return.
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