Paycheck Calculator (US)
Calculate your US take-home pay after federal tax, Social Security, Medicare, and 401(k).
Take-Home Pay Calculator
Your $35,000 breakdown
Annual Take-Home
$28,763
Monthly Take-Home
$2,397
Weekly Take-Home
$553
Federal Tax
$1,810
Social Security
$2,170
Medicare
$508
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Calculator Methodology
Based on 2026 IRS tax brackets (single filer): standard deduction $16,100. Federal tax: 10%-37%. Social Security 6.2% up to $184,500. Medicare 1.45% (plus 0.9% above $200,000). Does not include state/local taxes. Results are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Tax laws and rates may change. Last verified: October 2026.
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Click through to understand each deduction step-by-step
Gross Salary
This is your total annual salary before any deductions.
Example:
£35,000
💡 Tip: This is the figure you negotiate with your employer.
Step 1 of 6
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How US take-home pay works
Worked example: a $75,000 salary
On a gross salary of $75,000 with a 5% contribution, you would take home about $58,668 a year, or $4,889 a month. Tax and mandatory contributions take roughly 17% of gross pay.
| Gross salary | $75,000 |
| Federal Tax | -$6,845 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 |
| 401(k) (5%) | -$3,750 |
| Take-home pay | $58,668 |
Federal tax, Social Security and Medicare
Your paycheck loses money to three federal items. Income tax is progressive and only applies to income left after the $16,100 standard deduction. Social Security takes 6.2% of pay up to $184,500, and Medicare takes 1.45% of everything you earn. Your employer pays a matching share of both on top of your salary.
State and local tax are not included
This page shows federal figures only. Nine states charge no broad income tax, while others such as California and New York run their own progressive brackets. Some cities add a local tax as well. For a number that includes your state, use the state tax calculator linked below.
How a 401(k) changes the maths
Traditional 401(k) contributions come out before federal income tax, so they lower your tax bill today. They do not reduce Social Security or Medicare tax, which are still charged on your full pay. The 2026 employee limit is $24,500. If your employer matches contributions, pay in at least enough to collect all of the match.
Common questions from US workers
Why is my real paycheck lower than the estimate?
Health insurance premiums, state and local tax, HSA or FSA contributions and other deductions also come out of your pay. This estimate covers federal income tax and payroll tax only.
Is the standard deduction the same for everyone?
No, it depends on your filing status. The calculator uses the single filer amount, so married couples filing jointly and heads of household should expect lower federal tax.
How much will each paycheck be?
Most US employers pay every two weeks or twice a month. Divide the annual take-home figure by 26 or 24 to see a typical paycheck.
Related: State tax calculator, 401(k) calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
How is US take-home pay calculated?
Take-home pay is your gross salary minus federal income tax, Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), and any 401(k) contributions. State taxes vary.
What are the 2026 federal tax brackets?
For single filers, on income after the $16,100 standard deduction: 10% up to $12,400, 12% up to $50,400, 22% up to $105,700, 24% up to $201,775, 32% up to $256,225, 35% up to $640,600, and 37% above.
What is Social Security tax?
Social Security tax is 6.2% on earnings up to $184,500 (2026). Your employer matches this contribution.
What is Medicare tax?
Medicare tax is 1.45% on all earnings, plus an additional 0.9% on income above $200,000. Your employer also matches the 1.45%.
How much should I contribute to 401(k)?
Financial advisors recommend 15-20% of gross income. The 2026 limit is $24,500 ($32,500 if 50+). Many employers match 3-6%.
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Not Financial Advice: This calculator is for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and do not constitute financial advice, recommendations, or regulated advice. We are not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Always consult a qualified financial adviser for personalised advice. Tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances and may change. Tax laws and rates may change. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
