Take-Home Pay Calculator
Estimate annual and per-paycheck take-home pay using your own effective tax rates, retirement contributions and benefit deductions.
Pay breakdown
Results are estimates for informational purposes only. Verify important financial, tax, real-estate or retirement decisions with a qualified professional.
How this take-home pay estimator works
This is an effective-rate paycheck estimator rather than a tax-return calculator. It starts with base salary plus bonus, subtracts pre-tax retirement and benefit deductions, estimates federal and state/local income taxes from the effective rates you provide, estimates payroll taxes, then subtracts post-tax deductions.
Do not enter your top marginal tax bracket unless it truly reflects your overall tax burden. For planning, an effective tax rate is usually more appropriate.
What the result tells you
The headline number is estimated take-home pay for your chosen pay frequency. The breakdown also gives annual and monthly equivalents so you can use the result in a budget or compare compensation offers.
Frequently asked questions
Is this an exact tax calculator?
No. It uses effective tax-rate assumptions you enter. Actual federal, state and local taxes depend on filing status, deductions, credits, location and other income.
Why use effective tax rates?
An effective rate estimates total tax divided by income. It is useful for quick planning when a full tax-bracket model is not appropriate.
Are retirement contributions pre-tax?
This estimator treats the retirement contribution percentage and the annual pre-tax benefits amount as reducing take-home pay before the entered income-tax rates are applied.
Does payroll tax apply to all income?
Not always. Real payroll taxes have rules and wage limits. This estimator applies the percentage you enter as a simplified effective rate.
Can I use this for comparing job offers?
Yes for rough cash-flow comparison, especially when paired with CalcBunny’s Total Compensation Calculator. Verify actual withholding with payroll or a tax professional.