Free take-home pay calculator — see your after-tax salary by state
This free paycheck calculator (also called a salary calculator) helps you estimate your take-home pay after federal, state, and FICA taxes. Whether you're wondering "what will my paycheck be?" after a raise, comparing job offers across different states, or just want to know your after-tax salary, this tool gives you an accurate picture.
Simply enter your gross pay, select your state, filing status, and any pre-tax deductions (like 401(k) contributions or health insurance premiums), and we'll calculate your net pay — the actual amount that hits your bank account.
Your paycheck has several mandatory deductions taken out before you get paid:
Your take-home pay varies dramatically depending on which state you live in. For example:
This is why a $70,000 salary in California feels very different from a $70,000 salary in Texas — the difference in state taxes can mean thousands of dollars per year in your pocket.
How is my paycheck calculated?
Your gross pay minus federal income tax, state income tax (if applicable), and FICA taxes (Social Security + Medicare), minus any pre-tax deductions like 401(k) contributions, equals your net take-home pay.
What's the difference between gross pay and net pay?
Gross pay is your full salary before any taxes or deductions. Net pay (take-home pay) is what you actually receive in your bank account after all deductions are taken out. Net pay is always less than gross pay.
Which states have no income tax?
Texas, Florida, Alaska, Nevada, Washington, Wyoming, and South Dakota have no state income tax at all. Tennessee and New Hampshire only tax investment income, not wages. This means you keep more of every paycheck in these states.How do W-4 allowances affect my paycheck?
On your W-4 form, you claim allowances. The more allowances you claim, the less tax is withheld from each paycheck. Claiming 0 allowances means more tax withheld (bigger refund at tax time). Claiming more allowances means bigger paychecks now (smaller or no refund).
Is this paycheck calculator accurate?
This is an estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets and typical state tax rates. Your actual paycheck may vary slightly depending on your specific situation, pre-tax benefits, and local taxes. Always check your actual pay stub for exact numbers.
Want to keep more of every paycheck? Here are proven strategies to boost your net pay:
Different states have dramatically different tax systems. Here's a breakdown of how your paycheck changes depending on where you live:
Your pay stub shows several important numbers. Here's what each one means:
What's the average take-home pay in the US?
The median household income in the US is around $75,000 per year. After federal, state, and FICA taxes, that translates to roughly $55,000-$60,000 per year in take-home pay, depending on the state. That's about $4,600-$5,000 per month after taxes.
How much is $20 an hour annually after taxes?
At $20/hour working full-time (40 hours/week), your annual gross salary is about $41,600. After federal income tax, FICA, and state tax, your take-home pay is roughly $32,000-$35,000 per year, or about $2,700-$2,900 per month, depending on your state.
Is it better to claim 1 or 0 on W-4?
Claiming 0 allowances means more tax is withheld from each paycheck (smaller paycheck now, bigger refund at tax time). Claiming 1 allowance means less tax withheld (bigger paycheck now, smaller or no refund). If you want bigger paychecks throughout the year, claim more allowances. If you want a guaranteed big refund, claim 0.
Do bonuses get taxed higher?
Yes, bonuses are typically taxed at a flat 22% federal withholding rate (or 37% for amounts over $1 million). This is because the IRS requires supplemental wages like bonuses to be withheld at a flat rate. However, when you file your tax return, the bonus is combined with your regular income, so you may get some of that back as a refund or owe additional tax.
How does overtime affect my paycheck?
Overtime pay (usually 1.5x your hourly rate for hours over 40 in a week) is taxed the same as regular wages. However, because overtime pushes you into a higher marginal tax bracket for that pay period, a larger percentage may be withheld. Your actual tax burden will even out when you file your annual return.
What's the difference between gross and net pay?
Gross pay is your full salary before any taxes or deductions are taken out. Net pay (also called "take-home pay") is what you actually receive in your bank account after all deductions. Net pay is always less than gross pay — the average American keeps about 70-75% of their gross salary as take-home pay.