Take-Home Pay Calculator: Estimate Your Net Salary
Estimate net pay after federal, state, and payroll taxes. Compare states and adjust deductions, filing status, and pre-tax benefits.
Last updated: January 2026
Why Your State Changes Everything
Got a job offer for $85,000? Before you celebrate, check where the job is. That same salary deposits $5,400 more per year in your bank account in Austin compared to Los Angeles. Most people compare gross numbers and miss this entirely.
Here's the breakdown: Federal taxes hit everyone the same way—income tax brackets, Social Security at 6.2% (up to $176,100 in 2025), and Medicare at 1.45%. But state taxes? That's where the gap explodes. Texas, Florida, and Washington collect zero state income tax. California charges up to 13.3%. New York City stacks state tax plus a city tax that can run 3.8% on top.
The result you see here shows your actual paycheck amount—what lands in your account each pay period after federal, state, local taxes, and any pre-tax deductions you entered. Use it to compare offers, plan a move, or just understand where your money goes.
Real Numbers: Same Salary, Different States
Example 1: Software Developer, $95,000 Salary
Sarah got offers from companies in Dallas and San Francisco. Both pay $95,000. She's single, no dependents, contributes $6,000 to her 401(k).
Dallas, Texas (No State Tax)
Gross: $95,000
401(k) Pre-tax: -$6,000
Federal Tax: -$11,847
Social Security: -$5,890
Medicare: -$1,378
Take-Home: $69,885/year ($2,688/biweekly)
San Francisco, California (9.3% State Rate)
Gross: $95,000
401(k) Pre-tax: -$6,000
Federal Tax: -$11,847
CA State Tax: -$4,712
Social Security: -$5,890
Medicare: -$1,378
Take-Home: $65,173/year ($2,507/biweekly)
The gap: Sarah keeps $4,712 more per year in Texas—that's $393 extra per month. Over 5 years, that's $23,560 before considering cost of living differences.
Example 2: NYC Resident vs. NYC Commuter
Marcus earns $120,000 working in Manhattan. He's weighing whether to live in NYC or commute from New Jersey.
Living in NYC (State + City Tax)
Gross: $120,000
Federal Tax: -$17,234
NY State Tax: -$6,847
NYC Tax: -$4,104
Social Security: -$7,440
Medicare: -$1,740
Take-Home: $82,635/year
Living in NJ, Working in NYC
Gross: $120,000
Federal Tax: -$17,234
NJ State Tax: -$5,231
Social Security: -$7,440
Medicare: -$1,740
Take-Home: $88,355/year
Edge case insight: Marcus saves $5,720/year living in NJ—but he'll spend on commuting costs (transit pass, time). Still, many high earners find NJ or CT residency worthwhile for the tax savings alone.
Quick Steps to Get Your Number
1. Enter your salary — Annual gross or hourly rate. If hourly, we'll calculate based on standard 2,080 hours/year.
2. Pick your state and city — NYC, Philadelphia, and some Ohio cities add local taxes. Select carefully or you'll underestimate deductions.
3. Set filing status — Single, Married Filing Jointly, or Head of Household. This changes your tax brackets and standard deduction.
4. Add pre-tax deductions — 401(k) contributions, HSA, health insurance premiums. These reduce taxable income before we calculate your taxes.
5. Choose pay frequency — Weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Your per-paycheck amount appears instantly.
What Moves the Needle Most
- State of residence — The single biggest variable. A $100k earner keeps roughly $7,000-$10,000 more in Texas vs. California annually.
- Filing status — Married Filing Jointly doubles most bracket thresholds. A couple earning $150k combined pays less than two singles each earning $75k.
- Pre-tax 401(k) — Every dollar you contribute avoids federal AND state tax. At the 22% federal + 6% state level, a $10,000 contribution saves $2,800 in taxes.
- Local city tax — NYC adds 3-4% on top of NY state tax. Easy to overlook, but it's $3,000-$4,000/year on a six-figure salary.
- Additional Medicare Tax — If you earn over $200k single ($250k married), an extra 0.9% Medicare tax kicks in. Not huge, but it adds up.
How We Calculate This
We apply 2025 federal tax brackets after subtracting the standard deduction ($15,000 single, $30,000 married filing jointly). State taxes use each state's current bracket structure or flat rate.
FICA taxes: Social Security at 6.2% up to the $176,100 wage base, Medicare at 1.45% on all wages. High earners pay an additional 0.9% Medicare on income above $200,000 (single).
What we don't include: Itemized deductions, tax credits (child tax credit, EITC), AMT, investment income, or employer-paid benefits. This estimate assumes standard W-2 employment with standard deduction.
For most people comparing job offers or planning a move, this gives you a solid ballpark. If you have complex situations—rental income, stock options, multiple state residency—consult a tax professional.
Sources
- IRS Publication 15 — Federal withholding tables and FICA rates
- SSA Wage Base — 2025 Social Security wage cap ($176,100)
- State tax rates from respective state revenue departments
For Educational Purposes Only - Not Financial Advice
This calculator provides estimates for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, tax, investment, or legal advice. Results are based on the information you provide and current tax laws, which may change. Always consult with a qualified CPA, tax professional, or financial advisor for advice specific to your personal situation. Tax rates and limits shown should be verified with official IRS.gov sources.