Why the second job pays less per hour
Your first job uses up the standard deduction and the low brackets. The second job's first dollar is taxed at your top rate — so a $20/hr side job can pay like $15/hr after taxes.
The withholding trap
Each employer withholds as if they are your only income, so two jobs together are usually under-withheld. Use the IRS estimator or add extra withholding on one W-4 to avoid an April surprise.
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Read the guideFAQ
Is a second job worth it after taxes?
Usually yes — you keep roughly 70–78 cents of each dollar at typical incomes. The calculator shows your exact keep rate.
Will two jobs push me into a higher bracket?
Only the dollars above the bracket line pay the higher rate, so a second job never reduces your total take-home.
How do I avoid owing taxes with two jobs?
Fill out the multiple-jobs section of the W-4 or add a flat extra withholding amount on one job's W-4.
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