How is take-home pay calculated?

Take-home pay is your gross pay minus taxes (federal, state, Social Security, Medicare) and any voluntary deductions like 401(k) contributions. Our calculator uses 2026 IRS tax brackets and state-specific rates.

What is the Social Security tax rate in 2026?

The Social Security tax rate is 6.2% on income up to the $184,500 wage base (SSA 2026). Your employer also pays 6.2%, for a combined 12.4%.

How do I convert hourly wage to annual salary?

Multiply your hourly rate by hours worked per week, then multiply by 52 weeks. Illustrative example: $18/hr × 40 hours × 52 weeks = $37,440/year gross (Illustrative Example 2026).

Which states have no income tax?

Nine states have no state income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire (dividends only), South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Workers in these states keep more take-home pay.

Are tips taxable income?

Yes, tips are taxable income. Both cash and credit card tips must be reported. Employers withhold taxes on reported tips. Use our tips calculator toggle to include tips in your pay estimate.

Free Tool

2026 Tax Year

Paycheck Calculator

Calculate your take-home pay after federal and state taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and deductions.

Quick fill for your role:

Hourly Rate

$7.25$100

Hours Per Week

hrs

Part-time40 (full-time)60+

Location & Filing Status

Work State

Texas has no state income tax!

Filing Status

Deductions

401(k) Retirement

Include Tips

For tipped workers

Tips Per Hour

Your Take-Home Pay

Net income after federal, state, and FICA taxes

Hourly

$17.62

Weekly

$441

Bi-Weekly

$881

Monthly

$1,909

Annual

$22,911

88.1% take-home

11.9% effective tax rate

10.0% marginal federal

Bi-Weekly Pay Stub Preview

How your paycheck breaks down each pay period

Pay Period EarningsAmount

Gross Pay$1,000

Deductions

Federal Withholding-$42

Social Security-$62

Medicare-$15

Net Pay (Take-Home)$881

Where Your Money Goes (Annual)

Take-Home Pay$22,911

Federal Tax$1,100

Social Security + Medicare$1,989

Detailed Tax Bracket Analysis

See exactly how your income is taxed at each level

Gross Income

$26,000

Standard Deduction

-$15,000

Pre-Tax Deductions

-$0

Taxable Income

$11,000

Federal Income Tax

$1,100

10%

$11,000→ $1,100

$0 - $12,150

Your marginal rate (next dollar taxed at):10.0%

FICA Taxes (Social Security & Medicare)

$1,989

Social Security

6.2% of wages

$1,612

Wage base limit: $184,500

Medicare

1.45% of all wages

$377

No income limit

Effective Rate

11.9%

Marginal Rate

10.0%

Annual Taxes

$3,089

Daily Tax

Smart Tax Optimization Tips

1 action items

Total Potential Annual Savings

$680/year

$57/month extra

$430 from high priority actions

retirement (1)

healthcare (1)

income (2)

deductions (2)

location (1)

Open a Health Savings Account (HSA)

If you have a high-deductible health plan, maxing out your HSA at $4,300 could save $430 in taxes—triple tax advantage!

high

Potential savings: $430/year

$1,150 from 12% Bracket

Additional income above $12,150 will be taxed at 12% instead of 10%. Consider pre-tax deductions to stay in the lower bracket.

medium

Consider Roth Contributions

At your 10.0% marginal rate, Roth contributions may be better than traditional. You pay tax now at a low rate and withdrawals are tax-free in retirement.

medium

Student Loan Interest Deduction

If you're paying student loans, you can deduct up to $2,500 in interest even if you don't itemize, potentially saving $250.

low

Potential savings: $250/year

Pro Tip

Focus on high-priority items first. Even small changes to retirement contributions can save hundreds in taxes while building your future wealth.

What If Scenarios

See how changes affect your take-home pay

Work 5 extra hours/week

-$2,291/yr-$44/wk

Work 10 extra hours/week

+$1,146/yr+$22/wk

Get a small hourly raise

-$3,437/yr-$66/wk

Get a significant raise

+$0/yr+$0/wk

Estimate Only

This calculator provides estimates based on 2026 federal tax brackets and state rates. Actual take-home pay depends on your W-4, pre-tax deductions, and other factors.

Last updated: 2026-02-01