Free Paycheck Calculator
Switch between Salary and Hourly to calculate your take-home pay.
* Federal tax estimated using 2025 brackets. State tax based on selected state's average effective rate. Does not include local taxes, health insurance, or other pre-tax deductions.
* Assumes 52 paid weeks/year at the hours entered. Federal tax estimated using 2025 brackets. Does not include overtime, local taxes, or pre-tax deductions.
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How Paycheck Deductions Work
Whether you're paid hourly or salaried, every US paycheck goes through the same deduction pipeline before it hits your bank account:
- Federal income tax — withheld based on your W-4, filing status, and IRS tax brackets
- State income tax — varies by state; 9 states charge none at all
- FICA taxes — 6.2% Social Security (up to $168,600 wage base) + 1.45% Medicare (uncapped)
- Pre-tax deductions — 401(k), HSA, and health insurance premiums, which reduce your taxable income
Hourly vs. Salary Paycheck: Key Differences
| Factor | Hourly Employees | Salaried Employees |
|---|---|---|
| Pay basis | Rate × hours worked | Fixed annual amount ÷ pay periods |
| Overtime eligibility | Usually eligible (1.5x after 40 hrs/week) | Often exempt (FLSA-exempt roles) |
| Paycheck variability | Varies with hours worked | Fixed each pay period |
| FICA & tax withholding | Same rates apply | Same rates apply |
2025–2026 Federal Tax Brackets (Single Filers)
| Taxable Income | Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to $11,925 | 10% |
| $11,926 – $48,475 | 12% |
| $48,476 – $103,350 | 22% |
| $103,351 – $197,300 | 24% |
| $197,301 – $250,525 | 32% |
| $250,526 – $626,350 | 35% |
| Over $626,350 | 37% |
Standard deduction for 2025: $15,000 (single), $30,000 (married filing jointly), $22,500 (head of household).
State Income Tax Comparison
| State Type | Examples | Approx. Rate |
|---|---|---|
| No state income tax | TX, FL, NV, WA, WY, AK, SD, TN, NH | 0% |
| Flat tax states | IL (4.95%), MA (5%), NC (4.75%) | 4.75–5% |
| Progressive — moderate | GA, OH, AZ | 2.5–5.75% |
| Progressive — high | CA, NY, NJ, OR | Up to 9.3–13.3% |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my take-home pay from an hourly wage?
Multiply your hourly rate by hours worked per week, then by 52 weeks to get annual gross pay. Subtract federal tax, state tax, Social Security (6.2%), and Medicare (1.45%) to get your net (take-home) pay. Use the calculator above to get an exact estimate for your state and filing status.
What's the difference between gross pay and net pay?
Gross pay is your total earnings before any deductions. Net pay (take-home pay) is what's left after federal tax, state tax, FICA, and any pre-tax deductions like 401(k) or health insurance are subtracted.
How much of my paycheck goes to taxes?
Most US employees lose roughly 20–30% of gross pay to combined federal, state, and FICA taxes, though this varies significantly by income level, filing status, and state. Higher earners in high-tax states like California or New York can see 30%+ withheld.
Do salaried employees get overtime pay?
It depends on FLSA exemption status. "Exempt" salaried employees (typically executive, administrative, or professional roles earning above a salary threshold) are not entitled to overtime. "Non-exempt" salaried employees must still receive overtime pay for hours beyond 40/week.
How many paychecks will I get in a year?
Depends on pay frequency: weekly (52 paychecks), bi-weekly (26 paychecks), semi-monthly (24 paychecks), or monthly (12 paychecks). Bi-weekly is the most common pay frequency for US employers.
Which states have no income tax?
Nine states currently levy no state income tax: Texas, Florida, Nevada, Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, South Dakota, Tennessee, and New Hampshire (New Hampshire taxes only investment income, not wages).
