Paycheck Tax Calculator (Hourly to Take-Home – USA)
Estimate your take-home pay after taxes from your hourly wage. This calculator helps hourly workers, part-time/full-time employees, and gig workers (Uber, DoorDash, retail, warehouse, etc.) understand their net pay after federal taxes, Social Security, and Medicare deductions.
Note: State tax rates are estimates and may vary based on local taxes and individual circumstances.
Examples: 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums, HSA contributions
Your Estimated Paycheck
Gross Pay:
$0.00
Tax Breakdown:
Federal Income Tax:
$0.00
Social Security (6.2%):
Medicare (1.45%):
$0.00
State Income Tax (est.):
$0.00
Total Taxes:
$0.00
Your Take-Home Pay:
$0.00
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only and is not tax advice. Actual taxes may vary based on your specific situation, deductions, credits, and local taxes. Consult a tax professional for personalized advice. Federal tax is estimated based on standard deductions and typical tax brackets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this paycheck calculator?
This calculator provides estimates based on standard tax rates and typical withholding. It uses estimated federal tax brackets, flat rates for Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%), and average state tax rates. Your actual paycheck may vary based on your specific tax situation, deductions, credits, and allowances claimed on your W-4 form.
Why are Social Security and Medicare taxes fixed percentages?
Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%) are FICA taxes with fixed rates up to certain income limits. For 2023, Social Security tax applies only to the first $160,200 of earnings. Medicare tax has no income limit, though high earners pay an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax on income over $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married).
How is federal income tax estimated?
The calculator estimates federal tax using a simplified progressive tax bracket system based on your estimated annual income. It applies the standard deduction ($13,850 for single, $27,700 for married in 2023) before calculating taxes. This is an approximation – your actual withholding depends on your W-4 form settings.
What are pre-tax deductions?
Pre-tax deductions reduce your taxable income before taxes are calculated. Common examples include: 401(k) or 403(b) retirement contributions, health insurance premiums, Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions, and flexible spending accounts (FSA). These deductions lower your taxable income, which can reduce your overall tax liability.
Do I need to pay taxes as a gig worker?
Yes, gig workers (Uber, DoorDash, freelancers) are responsible for paying taxes on their income. As an independent contractor, you won’t have taxes automatically withheld. Instead, you may need to make quarterly estimated tax payments. You’ll pay both income tax and self-employment tax (which covers Social Security and Medicare).