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.
See also: 401(k) Contribution & Employer Match Calculator, Bonus Tax Calculator 2026.
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.
Related calculators
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