How your take-home pay is estimated
We start from your gross salary, subtract your pre-tax 401(k) contribution to get taxable income, then subtract estimated income tax and FICA (7.65% for Social Security and Medicare). What's left is your take-home pay, shown per paycheck, per month and per year.
Because income-tax brackets and state taxes vary enormously, this tool lets you enter your own effective rate rather than guessing wrong. If you're unsure, 15–25% is a common range for many U.S. earners once federal and state are combined.
What to do with your paycheck
- Pay yourself first: automate savings and investing the day you're paid.
- Capture your employer 401(k) match: see what it's worth on the 401(k) calculator.
- Budget from take-home, not gross: your real spending power is the net number.
Frequently asked questions
Is this exact?
No — it's a simplified estimate. It doesn't model tax brackets, the Social Security wage cap, pre-tax health premiums, or local taxes. For precise figures, check your pay stub or a tax professional.
Why is 401(k) shown separately?
Your 401(k) is withheld from your paycheck, so it reduces take-home pay — but it's still your money, growing for retirement. It's listed so you can see where every dollar goes.
What effective tax rate should I use?
Look at last year's total tax divided by your income, or use 15–25% as a starting estimate and adjust.