How to use the US salary calculator
Enter your gross pay and pay period, choose your federal filing status, and optionally add a 401(k) or other pre-tax contribution and your state's effective income tax rate. The calculator works out your take-home pay for the year, month, week and bi-weekly paycheck using the 2026 federal tax brackets, the 2026 standard deduction and current FICA rates.
2026 federal income tax brackets
| Rate | Single | Married filing jointly | Head of household |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | $0 – $12,400 | $0 – $24,800 | $0 – $17,700 |
| 12% | $12,401 – $50,400 | $24,801 – $100,800 | $17,701 – $67,450 |
| 22% | $50,401 – $105,700 | $100,801 – $211,400 | $67,451 – $105,700 |
| 24% | $105,701 – $201,775 | $211,401 – $403,550 | $105,701 – $201,750 |
| 32% | $201,776 – $256,225 | $403,551 – $512,450 | $201,751 – $256,200 |
| 35% | $256,226 – $640,600 | $512,451 – $768,700 | $256,201 – $640,600 |
| 37% | Over $640,600 | Over $768,700 | Over $640,600 |
The US uses a progressive system, so only the income inside each bracket is taxed at that bracket's rate. Moving into a higher bracket never reduces your take-home pay. Only the extra dollars are taxed at the higher rate.
Payroll taxes (FICA)
- Social Security: 6.2% of wages up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500.
- Medicare: 1.45% of all wages, plus 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax above $200,000 (single/head of household) or $250,000 (married filing jointly).
Worked example: $65,000 salary, single filer
- Taxable income: $65,000 − $16,100 standard deduction = $48,900.
- Federal income tax: $12,400 × 10% + $36,500 × 12% = $5,620.
- Social Security: $65,000 × 6.2% = $4,030. Medicare: $65,000 × 1.45% = $942.50.
- Take-home pay in a no-income-tax state: about $54,408 a year, or $4,534 a month.
State income tax
State taxes vary widely. Nine states don't tax wages, some charge a flat rate (for example Illinois at 4.95%), and others have progressive brackets (for example California and New York). For a quick estimate, enter your state's approximate effective rate, which is usually lower than its top marginal rate. Some cities, such as New York City, also charge local income tax.
Last reviewed: 11 October 2026. Figures are estimates for guidance only — see our disclaimer.