US After Tax Salary Calculator 2026: Federal & State Tax Breakdown
The gap between your gross salary and what actually hits your bank account can be shocking. In the United States, the average worker takes home only 65-75% of their gross pay after federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and other mandatory deductions. This after-tax salary calculator gives you a realistic picture of your US take-home pay based on the 2026 federal tax brackets.
Federal income tax in the US uses a progressive marginal system with seven brackets ranging from 10% to 37%. On top of that, most states impose their own income tax (nine states have zero state income tax). FICA contributions add another 7.65% for Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%). When you stack all of these together, someone earning $75,000 gross might take home around $55,000-$58,000 depending on their state and filing status.
Use this calculator to convert between gross and net salary at any pay frequency. Enter your gross salary, select your pay period, and instantly see what you keep after taxes. The tool accounts for standard deduction amounts and gives both unadjusted and adjusted (for holidays and vacation) figures.
Key Data & Statistics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Federal Tax Brackets (2026) | 10% - 37% (7 brackets) |
| Standard Deduction (Single) | $15,000 (est.) |
| Social Security Tax | 6.2% (up to $168,600) |
| Medicare Tax | 1.45% (no cap) |
| Average Effective Federal Rate | 14-22% for most earners |
| States with No Income Tax | AK, FL, NV, NH, SD, TN, TX, WA, WY |
| Average State Income Tax | 4.5-6% (in taxing states) |
| Typical Take-Home Ratio | 65-75% of gross pay |
Pre-Calculated Examples
| Scenario | Gross | Net / Result | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $40,000 | $32,800 | Effective rate ~18% (federal + FICA, no state tax) |
| Mid Career | $75,000 | $56,250 | Effective rate ~25% (federal + FICA + 5% state) |
| Senior Level | $120,000 | $84,000 | Effective rate ~30% (federal + FICA + 5% state) |
| Executive | $200,000 | $132,000 | Effective rate ~34% (federal + FICA + 6% state) |
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Who Uses This Calculator?
Job offer evaluation
Compare gross salary offers by converting them to after-tax take-home pay, giving you a realistic picture of what each job actually pays.
Budget planning
Build your monthly budget around actual take-home pay rather than gross salary to avoid overspending.
Relocation decisions
Compare after-tax income between states with different tax rates to see the real financial impact of moving.
Freelance rate setting
Determine what hourly freelance rate you need to match the after-tax income of a salaried position.