Gross vs. Net Pay
Gross is your pay before deductions. Net (take‑home) is after taxes and benefits. Your calculator results reflect net unless stated otherwise.
- Gross = base pay + overtime + bonuses
- Net = gross − taxes − pre/post‑tax deductions
Find your pay — fast
Pick a job and a state. We’ll take you straight to the right page.
Data sources & methodology
We align job titles with national occupation standards and use public data, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and state labor departments. Pages are structured Hub → Job → State → Job+State so searchers land on the most relevant result.
After‑tax figures are quick estimates for orientation only and not tax advice.
BLS‑aligned terms
50‑state coverage
Quick after‑tax estimate
Popular salary lookups
Paycheck Essentials: Understand Your Take‑Home
A quick, practical guide to what actually changes your net pay—so your search results make sense.
Taxes & Withholding
Federal withholding is based on your W‑4; states and some cities add their own taxes.
- Federal: income tax, Social Security, Medicare
- State/Local: depends on where you work
- FICA caps: Social Security has an annual wage base
Pre‑Tax vs Post‑Tax Deductions
Contributions like 401(k) or HSA/Limited FSA reduce taxable income before withholding. Post‑tax items (e.g., Roth 401(k), some benefits) do not.
- Pre‑tax lowers income tax—and sometimes FICA
- Health premiums are often pre‑tax
Pay Frequency Converter
Pay schedules change the per‑check amount, not your yearly salary.
- Weekly: 52 checks
- Biweekly: 26 checks
- Semimonthly: 24 checks
- Monthly: 12 checks
Overtime & Bonuses
Overtime is typically 1.5× hourly rate after 40 hours/wk (varies by state). Bonuses are often taxed via supplemental withholding rules.
State Differences
Some states have no income tax; others have brackets or flat rates. Always check state rules for accurate take‑home.
Quick Reference: Annual ↔ Per‑Paycheck
Estimate your per‑check gross from an annual salary (before deductions):
$40,000
Monthly ≈ $3,333
Biweekly ≈ $1,538
Weekly ≈ $769
Monthly ≈ $3,333
Biweekly ≈ $1,538
Weekly ≈ $769
$60,000
Monthly ≈ $5,000
Biweekly ≈ $2,308
Weekly ≈ $1,154
Monthly ≈ $5,000
Biweekly ≈ $2,308
Weekly ≈ $1,154
$80,000
Monthly ≈ $6,667
Biweekly ≈ $3,077
Weekly ≈ $1,538
Monthly ≈ $6,667
Biweekly ≈ $3,077
Weekly ≈ $1,538
$100,000
Monthly ≈ $8,333
Biweekly ≈ $3,846
Weekly ≈ $1,923
Monthly ≈ $8,333
Biweekly ≈ $3,846
Weekly ≈ $1,923
Figures above show gross pay; your net depends on taxes and deductions.
FAQ: Fast Answers
Why does my coworker’s take‑home differ from mine?
Different W‑4 elections, benefits, or state/local taxes change net pay—even at the same salary.
Does overtime count toward 401(k)?
Generally yes for eligible compensation, but plans differ—check your plan docs or HR.
How do I estimate bonuses?
Many employers apply supplemental withholding (e.g., a flat federal rate) to bonuses; your regular tax reconciliation happens at filing.
How to Read a Pay Stub
Earnings
Shows your regular hours/rate and any overtime, bonuses, or commissions. Check period-to-date and year-to-date totals for accuracy.
Taxes
Federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare (FICA) appear separately. Some states/cities add their own line items.
Deductions
Pre‑tax (e.g., 401(k), HSA, traditional FSA, many health premiums) reduce taxable income; post‑tax (e.g., Roth 401(k), some add‑ons) do not.
Net Pay
Your take‑home this period after taxes and deductions. Compare to prior checks to spot changes (benefit elections, bonuses, overtime).
Compare Offers & Raises the Smart Way
A higher salary doesn’t always mean a higher take‑home. Use a consistent pay schedule and consider benefits when comparing.
- Normalize to the same frequency (monthly vs biweekly vs weekly).
- Account for health premiums, 401(k) match, HSA contributions, and commuting/parking costs.
- Check state/local tax differences if moving or working remote across states.
Withholding Tune‑Up Checklist
W‑4 Review
Update after life events (marriage, dependents, a second job). Using the IRS estimator can reduce surprise tax bills or big refunds.
Benefit Elections
Open enrollment changes net pay. Health, dental, vision, and FSA/HSA contributions may be pre‑tax and lower withholding.
State Residency
Remote work across states? Confirm where tax is withheld and if you need to file in multiple states.
Extra Withholding
Expecting a bonus or side‑income? Adding a fixed extra amount on your W‑4 can help smooth your year‑end balance due.
Quick Glossary
FICA
Payroll taxes for Social Security and Medicare. Most employees pay 7.65% combined; employers match it.
W‑4
IRS form that tells your employer how much federal tax to withhold from each paycheck.
Pre‑Tax
Contributions taken before income tax (and sometimes FICA), lowering taxable wages (e.g., 401(k), HSA).
Supplemental Wages
Bonuses/commissions that may be withheld at special rates under IRS rules.
Keep Learning
Salary Research Tips
Cross‑Check Sources
Compare ranges from multiple sources (industry reports, job boards, professional associations) to avoid outliers.
Localize Your Data
Adjust for metro area and cost of living—national medians rarely match high‑cost or rural markets.
Level & Scope
Titles hide scope. Align by level (Associate, Senior, Staff) and team size, not just name.
Total Compensation
Salary is one piece. Weigh equity, bonuses, and benefits (401(k) match, health premiums, HSA) when comparing offers.
From Salary to Take‑Home
Once you find a salary band, estimate your net pay using the calculator—taxes and deductions can change the picture.