California Paycheck Calculator
See exactly what you keep after taxes in California — enter your pay for an instant, itemized take-home breakdown.
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Your take-home pay
$0 per year
Effective tax rate 0%
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How California take-home pay is calculated
California has the highest top marginal income tax rate in the nation, reaching 13.3% on very high earners, so take-home pay for top earners is meaningfully lower than in most states. However, the lowest brackets start at just 1%, so middle-income workers face more moderate effective rates than the headline figure suggests. There are no local/city income taxes in California, but all wages are also subject to a 1.2% State Disability Insurance withholding with no wage cap.
Federal income tax
Progressive 10%–37%, applied after the federal standard deduction ($15,000 single / $30,000 married for 2025).
Social Security
6.2% of wages up to the $176,100 wage base.
Medicare
1.45% of all wages, plus 0.9% above $200,000.
California state income tax
Progressive 1% – 13.3%.
State Disability Insurance (SDI)
1.20% of wages.
401(k) — optional
Pre-tax contributions lower your taxable income for both federal and state tax.
- Nine marginal brackets run from 1% to 12.3%, plus a 1% Mental Health Services Tax on taxable income over $1,000,000, giving a top effective rate of 13.3% — the highest of any state.
- California's 1.2% State Disability Insurance (SDI) tax applies to all wages with no wage-base cap as of 2024 (SB 951), raising the payroll burden on high earners.
- The 2025 standard deduction is $5,706 for single filers and $11,412 for married couples filing jointly, and married brackets are exactly double the single brackets.
California paycheck — frequently asked questions
How much is taken out of a paycheck in California? +
In California, federal income tax, Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%) and California state income tax (1% – 13.3%) plus State Disability Insurance (SDI) are withheld. Total withholding typically lands around 25%–35% of gross pay, depending on income and filing status.
What is take-home pay? +
Take-home pay (net pay) is the amount that actually reaches your bank account after all taxes and deductions are subtracted from your gross salary. It is always lower than your headline salary.
Does California have a state income tax? +
Yes. California has a progressive state income tax (1% – 13.3%), charged on top of federal income tax.
Is this California paycheck calculator accurate? +
It gives a close estimate using 2025 federal and California tax brackets, the standard deduction and FICA. Your actual paycheck can vary based on local taxes, additional withholdings, benefits and your W-4. It is an estimate, not tax advice.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only using 2025 tax figures and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Actual withholding depends on your W-4, local taxes, benefits, and other factors. Verify with a qualified professional or the relevant tax authority.