Worked example: $80,000 single filer in a 5% state
After a 6% 401(k) ($4,800) and $3,000 of pre-tax benefits, federal taxable income is $57,200 — federal tax about $6,944 after the standard deduction. FICA is $6,120, state about $3,610. Net pay lands near $63,526, or $2,443 per bi-weekly check. Notice the $4,800 retirement contribution only cost about $3,500 of take-home — pre-tax dollars do double duty.
- • Raising 401(k) from 6% to 10% here costs ~$250/month of take-home but adds $3,200/year of savings.
- • A $10,000 raise at this income nets about $7,000–$7,300 after all taxes.
- • Bi-weekly pay means two 'extra' checks per year — 26 checks, not 24.
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Read the guideFAQ
How much is taken out of a paycheck?
For most US workers: 7.65% FICA off the top, federal income tax averaging 8–15% for middle incomes, 0–8% state, plus any benefit premiums and retirement contributions. All-in, expect 20–30% between gross and net.
Why is my bonus taxed so high?
It isn't, really — supplemental wages are withheld at a flat 22% federal, which may be more or less than your bracket. The final tax is reconciled on your return; a big refund check in spring means you over-withheld.
Is 401(k) taken out before taxes?
Traditional 401(k) contributions are pre-tax for federal and most state income tax, but FICA still applies to the full gross. Roth 401(k) contributions are post-tax.
How accurate is this estimator?
Within a few percent for a W-2 employee with simple circumstances. It omits local taxes, the 0.9% additional Medicare tax over $200K, and itemized-deduction effects. Your actual paystub is the source of truth.
How this calculator is built
Independently maintained
Written by Sam Doshi and the RevenueLab editorial team. We don't sell the data feeds this tool is built on.
Sourced from primary data
Benchmarks come from public AdSense / Stripe / IRS disclosures and reader-submitted data — never third-party "$X per view" claims. Full methodology.
Last editorial review
Reviewed on a rolling quarterly cycle. Dated reviews are published on the methodology record for each calculator.
Editorial standards
See our editorial policy and disclaimer. Results are estimates, not advice.