California Salary Calculator 2026: State Tax Brackets & Take Home Pay
California has the highest state income tax in the nation, with a top marginal rate of 13.3% and ten tax brackets ranging from 1% to 13.3%. For workers earning above $70,000, the effective state tax rate typically falls between 5% and 8%, which — when stacked on top of federal income tax, FICA, and California State Disability Insurance (SDI) — can push total deductions to 35-42% of gross pay.
Beyond income tax, California workers face a 1.1% SDI (State Disability Insurance) contribution and, depending on their county, possible local taxes. The cost of living in major California metros (San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego) is 40-80% above the national average, meaning a $100,000 salary in California provides roughly the same purchasing power as a $60,000-$70,000 salary in most Midwestern states.
This calculator helps California workers convert gross salary to all standard pay frequencies while understanding the state-specific deductions that reduce take-home pay. Whether you are evaluating a job offer in the Bay Area, negotiating a raise in Los Angeles, or comparing California compensation to out-of-state opportunities, accurate state-adjusted salary data is essential.
Key Data & Statistics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| CA State Tax Brackets | 1% to 13.3% (10 brackets) |
| CA SDI (Disability Insurance) | 1.1% of wages |
| CA Effective Rate ($80K single) | ~5.5% |
| CA Effective Rate ($150K single) | ~7.5% |
| CA Standard Deduction (Single) | $5,540 (2024) |
| CA Cost of Living Index | 138 (US avg = 100) |
| SF Bay Area Cost of Living | 180+ (US avg = 100) |
| CA Median Household Income | ~$91,000 |
Pre-Calculated Examples
| Scenario | Gross | Net / Result | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| $60K in CA | $60,000 | $46,200 | Fed ~$6,000 + FICA ~$4,590 + CA ~$2,100 + SDI ~$660 |
| $90K in CA | $90,000 | $65,700 | Fed ~$11,500 + FICA ~$6,885 + CA ~$4,900 + SDI ~$990 |
| $120K in CA | $120,000 | $83,400 | Fed ~$17,500 + FICA ~$9,180 + CA ~$8,600 + SDI ~$1,320 |
| $200K in CA | $200,000 | $130,000 | Fed ~$35,000 + FICA ~$15,300 + CA ~$17,500 + SDI ~$2,200 |
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Who Uses This Calculator?
Bay Area job evaluation
Calculate take-home pay for San Francisco and Silicon Valley offers, factoring in California's steep income tax and high cost of living.
CA vs Texas comparison
Compare the same gross salary in California (up to 13.3% state tax) vs Texas (0% state tax) to see the real financial difference.
Remote work relocation
Evaluate whether moving out of California while keeping a CA-based salary would increase your effective income through lower state taxes.
Freelance rate setting
California freelancers need to account for both income tax and self-employment tax. Calculate the hourly rate needed to match a salaried position.