If you work in Ohio, you already know that your paycheck doesn’t match your salary — federal, state, and local taxes all take a share. The good news is, once you understand what gets deducted, you can accurately predict your take-home pay and plan your budget with confidence.
Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to calculating your paycheck after taxes in Ohio, plus examples and strategies to help you keep more of your earnings.
Step 1: Find Your Gross Pay
Start with your gross pay — the amount you earn before any taxes or deductions.
Examples:
- If you make $60,000 per year, your monthly gross is $5,000.
- If you earn $25 per hour and work 40 hours per week, that’s about $1,000 weekly or roughly $52,000 per year.
Your gross pay is the foundation for every tax calculation.
Step 2: Subtract Pre-Tax Deductions
Before taxes are applied, your employer may withhold pre-tax deductions, such as:
- 401(k) or 403(b) retirement plan contributions
- Health, dental, and vision insurance premiums
- Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) contributions
- Commuter or dependent-care benefits
These reduce your taxable income — meaning you owe less in taxes.
Example:
If your monthly pay is $5,000 and you contribute $250 to a 401(k) and $200 to health insurance, your taxable income becomes:
$5,000 − $450 = $4,550
Step 3: Apply Federal Income Tax
Ohio workers pay federal income tax according to national tax brackets. The IRS uses a progressive system — different portions of your income are taxed at increasing rates.
2025 Federal Tax Brackets (Single Filers)
| Tax Rate | Taxable Income Range |
|---|---|
| 10% | Up to $11,600 |
| 12% | $11,601 – $47,150 |
| 22% | $47,151 – $100,525 |
| 24% | $100,526 – $191,950 |
| 32% | $191,951 – $243,725 |
| 35% | $243,726 – $609,350 |
| 37% | Over $609,351 |
Use this paycheck comparison tool to evaluate how different salaries and tax rates affect your real earnings.
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Step 4: Add FICA Taxes (Social Security and Medicare)
All Ohio paychecks include FICA taxes to fund Social Security and Medicare.
| Tax | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | 6.2 % | Applies up to $168,600 in 2025 |
| Medicare | 1.45 % | No income limit |
| Additional Medicare | 0.9 % | For income above $200,000 (single) |
Example:
On a $60,000 salary:
- Social Security = 6.2 % × 60,000 = $3,720
- Medicare = 1.45 % × 60,000 = $870
Total FICA = $4,590 per year (about 7.65 %).
Step 5: Apply Ohio State Income Tax
Ohio has a graduated state income tax system. The more you earn, the higher your rate — but rates remain moderate compared with other states.
2025 Ohio State Tax Rates (Single Filers)
| Income Range | Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to $26,050 | 0 % |
| $26,051 – $100,000 | 2.75 % |
| Over $100,000 | 3.50 % |
Example:
If your taxable income is $60,000:
- First $26,050 = no tax
- Remaining $33,950 × 2.75 % = $933.63 in Ohio state tax per year.
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Step 6: Include Local City Tax (if Applicable)
Many Ohio cities impose local income taxes, generally between 1 % and 3 %. This can apply even if you work in one city but live in another.
| City | Local Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Columbus | 2.5 % |
| Cleveland | 2.5 % |
| Cincinnati | 2.1 % |
| Toledo | 2.25 % |
| Akron | 2.0 % |
Example:
On a $60,000 salary in Columbus: 2.5 % × 60,000 = $1,500 local tax per year.
If you work and live in different cities, you might qualify for a local-tax credit — check with your city or employer for details.
Step 7: Subtract Post-Tax Deductions
After taxes, some employers deduct:
- Roth 401(k) or IRA contributions
- Union dues
- Wage garnishments
- Charitable donations
These don’t lower taxable income but still affect your final net pay.
Step 8: Calculate Your Take-Home Pay (Net Pay)
Finally, use this formula:
Net Pay = Gross Pay − (Federal Tax + FICA + State Tax + Local Tax + Pre-Tax + Post-Tax Deductions)
Example Calculation: $60,000 Annual Salary in Columbus
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gross Pay | $60,000 |
| Pre-Tax Deductions | − $2,500 |
| Federal Tax (12 %) | − $6,840 |
| FICA (7.65 %) | − $4,590 |
| Ohio State Tax | − $933 |
| Columbus Local Tax | − $1,500 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | ≈ $44,637 per year |
That’s about $3,719 per month or $1,716 biweekly.
Step 9: Compare Ohio with Other States
| State | State Income Tax | Local Tax | Approx. Net Pay (on $60,000) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 0 % | 0 % | ≈ $46,000 |
| Ohio | 2.75 % | ≈ 2 % | ≈ $44,600 |
| California | up to 9.3 % | 0 % | ≈ $41,000 |
| New York | up to 10.3 % | up to 3.9 % | ≈ $40,500 |
Ohio sits in the middle range — higher than no-tax states but far below coastal ones.
Step 10: Check Pay Frequency
Your total tax stays the same, but your pay frequency changes how much you see per check.
| Pay Schedule | Checks per Year | Example Net Pay ($60,000 salary) |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | 52 | ≈ $859 |
| Biweekly | 26 | ≈ $1,716 |
| Monthly | 12 | ≈ $3,719 |
Knowing your pay schedule helps you manage monthly expenses and savings plans.
How to Maximize Take-Home Pay in Ohio
- Update your W-4 and IT-4 forms after life changes (marriage, new job, dependents).
- Increase pre-tax contributions to 401(k) or HSA to lower taxable income.
- Check local tax credits if you live and work in different cities.
- Review your pay stub each month for accuracy.
- Avoid over-withholding — it’s better to keep cash flow balanced.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What taxes are deducted from a paycheck in Ohio?
Federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, Ohio state tax, and possibly local city taxes.
2. Does every city in Ohio have a local tax?
No — but most major cities do, typically between 1 % and 3 %.
3. How can I reduce taxes on my Ohio paycheck?
Use pre-tax accounts (401(k), HSA) and make sure your withholdings are accurate.
4. Is overtime taxed differently in Ohio?
No — overtime pay is taxed at the same rates as regular wages.
5. What’s the average take-home on a $60,000 salary in Ohio?
Roughly $44,000 to $45,000 after all taxes and 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.