If you get paid every two weeks, you’ve probably wondered: What will my paycheck actually look like once taxes and deductions are taken out? The answer isn’t as simple as dividing your salary by 26. Your take-home pay depends on federal, state, and local taxes, plus personal choices like benefits and retirement contributions.
Let’s break it down step by step so you know what to expect from each paycheck.
Understanding Biweekly Pay
Biweekly pay means you’ll receive 26 paychecks per year (sometimes 27 if the calendar lines up that way). This is different from semimonthly pay, which is only 24 checks per year. Biweekly often feels a bit smoother for budgeting because most months you’ll see two checks, and twice a year you get a “bonus” third paycheck.
Taxes and Deductions Taken From Your Paycheck
Every paycheck is reduced by several required withholdings, and sometimes by optional ones too.
Federal Income Tax
This is based on your income level, filing status (single, married, etc.), and the information you gave your employer on your W-4. The IRS uses progressive tax brackets, so part of your income is taxed at different rates.
State Income Tax
If you live in a state with income tax, money is also withheld here. Some states (like Texas and Florida) don’t have one, while others (like New York, California, and New Jersey) do.
FICA Taxes
- Social Security tax: 6.2% of wages up to the annual wage cap.
- Medicare tax: 1.45% on all wages (plus an extra 0.9% if you earn over $200,000 as a single filer).
Pre-Tax Deductions
These are benefits you choose, like 401(k) retirement contributions, health insurance, or an HSA. Since they reduce taxable income, they also reduce your taxes.
Post-Tax Deductions
Things like Roth contributions, union dues, or wage garnishments. These come out after taxes are calculated.
Step-by-Step: Estimating Your Biweekly Take-Home Pay
Here’s how you can roughly calculate your paycheck:
- Start with your gross annual salary.
Example: $60,000. - Divide by 26 (for biweekly pay).
$60,000 ÷ 26 = $2,307.69 gross pay per check. - Subtract federal income tax.
Depending on filing status and bracket, this might be around $200–$300 per check. - Subtract state income tax (if applicable).
For example, in New Jersey at this salary, around $60–$100 per check. - Subtract FICA taxes.
Social Security: 6.2% → $143.
Medicare: 1.45% → $33. - Subtract benefits or retirement contributions.
Say you put 5% into a 401(k): that’s $115 before taxes.
Estimated Net Pay: Around $1,650–$1,750 per check.
Example Paycheck Breakdowns
| Annual Salary | Gross Biweekly | Est. Taxes & Deductions | Net Biweekly (Take-Home) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $1,538 | ~$350–$400 | ~$1,150–$1,200 |
| $60,000 | $2,308 | ~$550–$650 | ~$1,650–$1,750 |
| $100,000 | $3,846 | ~$950–$1,150 | ~$2,700–$2,900 |
(These are ballpark estimates and vary by state, benefits, and tax situation.)
Common Questions About Biweekly Paychecks
Why does my paycheck sometimes vary?
Changes in overtime, bonuses, pre-tax deductions, or updated W-4 settings can make each check slightly different.
What if my state doesn’t have income tax?
You’ll see higher take-home pay, since only federal and FICA taxes apply.
Does biweekly pay mean I make more money?
Not really. Your annual salary stays the same. Biweekly just splits it into 26 parts instead of 12 or 24.
How can I increase my take-home pay?
Adjusting your W-4 withholding, contributing pre-tax to retirement, or changing benefits selections can all affect net pay.
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.