Salary After Tax US 2026

Professional financial calculators for accurate US salary, tax, and budget planning

Updated for the 2026 tax year • Free to use • No registration required

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What Is a Good Salary in the US in 2026?

Learn what counts as a good salary in the US in 2026, including typical income ranges, major cities vs rural areas, and practical take-home pay examples after federal and state income tax, Social Security and Medicare.

Salary Calculators

Take-Home Pay

Estimate your net pay after federal and state income tax, Social Security and Medicare.

Salary to Hourly

Convert annual or monthly pay into an hourly, daily, or weekly rate.

Hourly to Salary

Turn your hourly rate into monthly and annual pay estimates.

Monthly to Hourly

Convert monthly pay to hourly, daily, and annual equivalents.

🇺🇸 Updated for the 2026 Tax Year • 100% Free • No Sign-Up Required

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is $100,000 salary per hour in the US?

A $100,000 annual salary equals approximately $48.08 per hour before deductions if you work 40 hours per week for 52 weeks (the standard full-time work week in the US). Your after-tax hourly pay depends on your filing status, state tax rates, and deductions.

What are income tax rates in the US for 2026?

The US uses a progressive federal income tax system with marginal tax rates ranging from 10% up to 37%. Additionally, you'll pay 6.2% Social Security tax (on income up to the wage base limit) and 1.45% Medicare tax (plus 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax on high earners).

Your total effective tax rate depends on your taxable income, filing status, deductions, and state tax rates (which vary by state, with some states having no income tax).

For the most accurate estimate, use a calculator that includes your state and filing details.

How do I calculate my take-home pay in the US?

To estimate US take-home pay: start with gross salary, subtract federal income tax, state income tax (if applicable), Social Security tax (6.2%), and Medicare tax (1.45%). Then subtract any additional deductions such as 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums, or HSA contributions.

Use our Take-Home Pay calculator for a quick net pay estimate based on your state and filing status.

What's a good hourly rate in the US?

A "good" hourly rate depends on your location, cost of living, and industry. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, though many states have higher minimum wages.

As a general guide:

• Entry level: $15–$22 per hour

• Skilled/Professional: $25–$50 per hour

• Senior/Specialist: $50+ per hour

For a clearer picture, compare hourly pay to your expected after-tax income and monthly expenses in your city or state.

How much should I budget for expenses in the US?

A typical US budget breakdown (as a starting point):

• Housing: 25–35% of income

• Food: 10–15% of income

• Transport: 15–20% of income

• Utilities & internet: 5–10% of income

• Healthcare: 5–10% of income

• Savings/debt repayment: 10–20% of income

Use a budget planner to tailor this to your state and household needs.

How much should I contribute to my 401(k)?

Financial experts often recommend contributing at least enough to get your full employer match (typically 3-6% of salary), which is essentially free money. Ideally, aim to contribute 10-15% of your gross income toward retirement.

For 2026, the 401(k) contribution limit is $23,500 for those under 50, with an additional $7,500 catch-up contribution allowed for those 50 and older.

If you're unsure, consult with a financial advisor to determine the right contribution level for your situation.

How are US student loan repayments calculated?

In the US, federal student loan repayments depend on your repayment plan. Standard repayment is typically fixed monthly payments over 10 years. Income-driven repayment plans calculate payments as a percentage of your discretionary income (typically 10-20%), with forgiveness after 20-25 years.

Private student loans have varying terms set by the lender. Your monthly payment depends on your loan balance, interest rate, and repayment term.

What's the difference between gross and net salary?

Gross salary is your total pay before any deductions. Net salary (take-home pay) is what you receive after deductions like federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and other payroll deductions (such as health insurance or 401(k) contributions).

How accurate are these calculators?

Our calculators provide accurate estimates for most common US pay situations. However, results can vary due to state tax rates, filing status, deductions, credits, additional income, and employer-specific payroll settings. For complex scenarios, consider speaking with a qualified tax professional or CPA.