If you’ve ever looked at your paycheck in [State Name] and wondered why your take-home pay feels so much smaller than your salary, you’re not alone. Every check is reduced by a mix of federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and state taxes. In some places, you may even see local payroll deductions like city or disability insurance taxes.
Understanding your paycheck tax rate in [State Name] for 2025 is the key to knowing how much money actually lands in your account each pay period. In this guide, we’ll break down the main taxes, show how they add up, and provide an example so you can estimate your own net pay with confidence.
Quick Answer
If you earn wages in [State Name], your paycheck tax rate for 2025 is a combination of:
- Federal payroll taxes (FICA): 6.2% for Social Security (up to $176,100) + 1.45% for Medicare (with an extra 0.9% if your income passes $200K single / $250K married).
- Federal income tax: Withheld according to IRS 2025 tax brackets and your W-4.
- [State Name] state income tax: Flat or progressive, depending on the state’s law.
- Other mandatory deductions: State Disability Insurance (SDI), unemployment insurance, or local/city payroll taxes (if applicable).
On average, most workers in [State Name] see 15%–30% of their gross pay withheld depending on income, filing status, and benefits.
Federal Payroll Taxes: The Base Layer
Every paycheck nationwide has two key payroll deductions:
- Social Security tax: 6.2% of wages, capped at $176,100 for 2025.
- Medicare tax: 1.45% of all wages, with an additional 0.9% above the high-income threshold.
Together, these make up 7.65% of gross wages for most employees.
State Income Tax in [State Name]
The biggest variation in paycheck tax rate comes from your state.
- Flat tax states (like Colorado, Illinois, North Carolina) apply one consistent percentage.
- Progressive tax states (like California, New York) use multiple brackets that rise with income.
- No income tax states (like Texas, Florida, Washington) don’t tax wages at all, so only federal and FICA apply.
👉 To see a detailed breakdown for your state, try our State paycheck calculator.
Local and City Payroll Taxes
Some areas also add local withholdings:
- New York City imposes its own city income tax.
- Philadelphia applies a city wage tax for residents and commuters.
- Smaller municipalities in Ohio, Kentucky, and Michigan also levy local income taxes.
If you live or work in one of these cities, your paycheck tax rate will be higher than the statewide average.
👉 You can also check your city paycheck calculator to see how local taxes affect your take-home pay.
Example: Effective Paycheck Tax Rate in [State Name]
Here’s how a $60,000 salary might break down in [State Name] for a single filer:
| Deduction | % Rate | Annual Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Income Tax | 10%–12% | $6,500 |
| State Income Tax ([State]) | 4%–6% | $2,800 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | 7.65% | $4,590 |
| Other Deductions (benefits) | 1%–3% | $1,200 |
| Total Withheld | ~23% | $15,000 |
| Take-Home Pay | ~77% | $45,000 |
(Note: Replace with state-specific rates when publishing.)
FAQs: Paycheck Tax Rate in [State Name]
Q: What is the paycheck tax rate for Social Security and Medicare in 2025?
A: 6.2% for Social Security (up to $176,100) and 1.45% for Medicare.
Q: Does [State Name] have a flat or progressive income tax?
A: It depends — some states apply one rate, while others use tax brackets.
Q: How much is taken out of a $50K paycheck in [State Name]?
A: Typically 15%–25% of gross wages, depending on your filing status and benefits.
Q: Are there local paycheck taxes in [State Name]?
A: Only in specific cities or municipalities — check with your local tax authority.
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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.