US take-home pay in 2026: salary after federal tax
What a single filer keeps in 2026 after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare, for salaries from $30,000 to $250,000.
The IRS adjusts brackets for inflation every year. For 2026 the single standard deduction is $16,100, which means the first $16,100 you earn isn't taxed at all. Payroll taxes didn't change: 6.2% for Social Security on wages up to $184,500 and 1.45% for Medicare, with an extra 0.9% on wages over $200,000.
Take-home pay by salary, single filer
Federal taxes only. Subtract state and local income tax for your state; nine states, including Texas and Florida, have no state income tax on wages.
| Salary | Federal income tax | Social Security | Medicare | Take-home (before state tax) | Monthly | Marginal rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $1,420 | $1,860 | $435 | $26,285 | $2,190 | 12% |
| $40,000 | $2,620 | $2,480 | $580 | $34,320 | $2,860 | 12% |
| $50,000 | $3,820 | $3,100 | $725 | $42,355 | $3,530 | 12% |
| $60,000 | $5,020 | $3,720 | $870 | $50,390 | $4,199 | 12% |
| $75,000 | $7,670 | $4,650 | $1,088 | $61,592 | $5,133 | 22% |
| $85,000 | $9,870 | $5,270 | $1,232 | $68,628 | $5,719 | 22% |
| $100,000 | $13,170 | $6,200 | $1,450 | $79,180 | $6,598 | 22% |
| $125,000 | $18,734 | $7,750 | $1,812 | $96,704 | $8,059 | 24% |
| $150,000 | $24,734 | $9,300 | $2,175 | $113,791 | $9,483 | 24% |
| $200,000 | $36,734 | $11,439 | $2,900 | $148,927 | $12,411 | 24% |
| $250,000 | $51,304 | $11,439 | $4,075 | $183,182 | $15,265 | 32% |
Example: an $85,000 salary
Taxable income is $85,000 minus the $16,100 standard deduction, or $68,900. Federal income tax is 10% of the first $12,400, 12% up to $50,400 and 22% on the rest, about $9,870. Add $5,270 Social Security and $1,232 Medicare, and you keep about $68,628 before state tax: an effective federal income tax rate of 11.6%, even though the marginal rate is 22%.
2026 federal brackets for single filers
| Rate | Taxable income |
|---|---|
| 10% | $0 to $12,400 |
| 12% | $12,401 to $50,400 |
| 22% | $50,401 to $105,700 |
| 24% | $105,701 to $201,775 |
| 32% | $201,776 to $256,225 |
| 35% | $256,226 to $640,600 |
| 37% | Over $640,600 |
Keeping more of it
Pre-tax 401(k) contributions (up to $24,500 in 2026) come straight off your federal taxable income. If you have a high-deductible health plan, HSA contributions made through payroll skip both income tax and FICA, which makes them the most tax-efficient dollars you can save. It's also worth checking your W-4 once a year so your withholding matches what you'll actually owe.
Add your filing status, state tax rate and 401(k) contributions to see your exact take-home pay.
Open the Take-Home Pay CalculatorFrequently asked questions
Will a raise into a higher bracket lower my take-home pay?
No. Only the income inside the higher bracket is taxed at the higher rate.
Why is Social Security capped?
The 6.2% tax applies only to wages up to the yearly wage base, $184,500 in 2026.
Are married couples taxed differently?
Yes. Joint brackets and a $32,200 standard deduction apply. The Marriage Calculator compares both.