About this tool
Why use this tool
The net salary calculator converts your gross pay into the take-home amount actually deposited in your bank account. It's an essential tool when negotiating a job offer, comparing two positions, planning a career move or simply double-checking a paystub. In the US, gross-to-net is far from obvious: federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare and state income tax all combine to reduce the headline number, and the exact split depends on your filing status and state of residence.
How it works
The tool applies federal deductions to your gross salary: Social Security at 6.2% up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500, Medicare at 1.45% with no cap (plus 0.9% Additional Medicare above $200,000, or $250,000 for married filing jointly), and the 2026 federal income-tax brackets (10/12/22/24/32/35/37%, IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32) applied after the standard deduction for your filing status ($16,100 single, $32,200 married filing jointly, $24,150 head of household). State income tax is excluded — rates range from 0% in Texas, Florida or Washington to over 10% in California or New York. Pre-tax 401(k), HSA and health-insurance contributions also lower taxable income and are not modelled here.
Real example
A single filer earning a gross annual salary of $75,000 in 2026 pays roughly $4,650 in Social Security, $1,088 in Medicare and about $7,670 in federal income tax (on $58,900 of income after the $16,100 standard deduction), for a take-home of about $61,600 a year — roughly $5,130 per month before any state tax or 401(k) contribution. Adding a 5% 401(k) contribution shifts $3,750 into retirement savings and trims current federal tax by a few hundred dollars.
Practical tips
Always compare offers on a total compensation basis: base salary, bonus, equity (RSUs, ISOs), 401(k) match, health insurance quality, PTO days, and remote flexibility. A $5,000 401(k) employer match or premium health plan can be worth more than a $7,000 raise once taxes are considered. Max out your 401(k) match first — it's free money. Contribute to a Roth IRA if you're eligible for tax-free growth.
Disclaimer
This calculator provides an indicative estimate based on federal averages only. Actual take-home pay depends on your state, city, filing status, dependents, pre-tax deductions and other withholdings. For an exact figure, refer to your official paystub, the IRS withholding estimator or consult a CPA. This tool has no contractual value and is not a substitute for professional tax advice.