When you look at your paycheck in [State Name], it rarely matches the salary figure you were promised. That’s because several layers of taxes and deductions are taken out before your earnings reach your bank account. Between federal income tax, state withholding, Social Security, Medicare, and benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, your gross pay can shrink quickly.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how much is taken out of a paycheck in [State Name], explain each type of deduction, and show you an example calculation so you know what to expect.
Quick answer
Your paycheck in [State Name] is reduced by several layers of taxes and deductions:
- Federal income tax (based on your filing status and IRS brackets)
- State income tax (flat or progressive depending on the state)
- FICA taxes – Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%)
- Pre-tax deductions – retirement contributions, health insurance, HSA/FSA
- Post-tax deductions – items like Roth contributions or wage garnishments
For example, if you earn $60,000 a year in [State Name], you can expect roughly 20–25% of your pay withheld, leaving you with a take-home of around $45,000–$48,000 depending on your benefits and local taxes.
What comes out of your paycheck in [State Name]
Federal income tax
Every paycheck includes a federal tax withholding. The amount depends on your income, W-4 elections, and filing status. The IRS 2025 tax brackets range from 10% to 37%, but your effective rate is usually much lower because of progressive taxation.
State income tax
[State Name] applies its own rules:
- If it’s a flat tax state (like Colorado), one percentage applies to all income.
- If it’s a progressive tax state (like California or New York), higher brackets apply as you earn more.
- Some states, such as Texas and Florida, have no state income tax.
Social Security and Medicare (FICA)
- Social Security: 6.2% of wages up to the annual wage base.
- Medicare: 1.45% of all wages, plus 0.9% extra if you earn above $200K (single) or $250K (married).
Pre-tax deductions
These lower your taxable income before taxes are applied:
- 401(k) or 403(b) retirement contributions
- Health, dental, and vision insurance premiums
- Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Post-tax deductions
Taken after taxes are calculated:
- Roth IRA or Roth 401(k) contributions
- Wage garnishments
- Union dues
👉 To see your personalized numbers, use our State paycheck calculator or compare with a city paycheck calculator.
Example: $60,000 salary in [State Name]
Here’s what a sample annual paycheck might look like for a single filer with standard deductions:
| Deduction | Amount |
|---|---|
| Federal income tax | $6,500 |
| [State Name] income tax | $2,400 |
| Social Security + Medicare | $4,590 |
| Pre-tax 401(k) (5%) | $3,000 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | ~$43,500 |
(Note: Example only — your actual take-home will vary depending on benefits, dependents, and local taxes.)
👉 For exact numbers, try the State paycheck calculator.
How pay frequency changes your take-home
Even though annual totals stay the same, your paycheck looks different depending on how often you’re paid:
- Weekly: ~$835 net
- Bi-weekly: ~$1,670 net
- Monthly: ~$3,625 net
FAQs about paycheck deductions in [State Name]
How much is taken out of a $50,000 salary in [State Name]?
Typically around $10K–$12K in combined taxes, leaving $38K–$40K net.
Do I pay local taxes in addition to state taxes?
Only if you live in a city with a wage tax (e.g., NYC, Philadelphia, Detroit).
How much is Social Security and Medicare?
7.65% of gross wages (split into 6.2% Social Security and 1.45% Medicare).
Can pre-tax deductions lower my tax bill?
Yes — contributions to retirement or health accounts reduce taxable income.
Why is my paycheck smaller than expected?
Most likely because of a mix of state tax, federal withholding, and payroll deductions.
Bettye is the creator of CityPaycheckCalculator.com, a resource designed to help individuals quickly and accurately estimate their take-home pay across U.S. cities. With a strong focus on clarity, accuracy, and user experience, Bettye provides reliable paycheck calculators and helpful insights to support smarter financial decisions. Her mission is to make complex payroll and tax information simple and accessible for everyone.