Calculate your net pay after federal & state taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and 401k
This free payroll calculator estimates your take-home pay after federal income tax (using 2026 US tax brackets), state income tax, Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), and optional 401(k) contributions. Useful for budgeting, negotiating offers, or understanding your paycheck breakdown.
Understanding your paycheck means knowing how gross pay becomes net pay. Between federal/state taxes, social security, health insurance, retirement contributions, and other deductions, the gap can be 30-50% of your gross salary. This calculator estimates take-home pay by applying standard tax brackets and common deductions. It helps with salary negotiations (comparing offers by net pay, not gross), budgeting (knowing your actual monthly income), and planning (estimating the impact of raises, bonuses, or deduction changes). Note that actual payroll calculations vary by jurisdiction and individual circumstances — this provides estimates, not exact figures.
Typical deductions: federal income tax (10-37%), state tax (0-13%), Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), health insurance ($200-800/mo), and 401k contributions. These can total 30-50% of gross pay.
Tax brackets are marginal — only income within each bracket is taxed at that rate. Earning $50,000 doesn't mean 22% on all of it. The first $11,000 is at 10%, next $33,725 at 12%, and only the remainder at 22%.
The 2026 limit is $23,500 ($31,000 if over 50). If your employer matches contributions, always contribute at least enough to get the full match — it's free money. Beyond that, consider your other financial goals and tax situation.
Gross is total earnings before any deductions. Net (take-home) is what you actually receive after taxes, insurance, retirement, and other deductions. Job offers show gross; your bank account sees net.
Bonuses are taxed as supplemental income — typically 22% federal flat rate withholding (37% above $1M). Your effective tax rate may differ, and you'll reconcile when filing. The bonus doesn't change your tax bracket.