Hourly Paycheck Calculators by State
Calculating your hourly paycheck is not as simple as multiplying your hourly rate by the hours you worked. Taxes, overtime rules, and deductions can significantly change how much money you actually take home. These hourly paycheck calculators by state help you estimate your net pay accurately based on federal and state-specific tax rules.
U.S. Hourly Paycheck Calculators by State
Select your state below to calculate your accurate hourly take-home pay. Each calculator is tailored to local tax laws, overtime rules, and withholding requirements.
California
2026 TAX RATES
Florida
2026 TAX RATES
Georgia
2026 TAX RATES
Illinois
2026 TAX RATES
Kentucky
2026 TAX RATES
Massachusetts
2026 TAX RATES
New York
2026 TAX RATES
North Carolina
2026 TAX RATES
Ohio
2026 TAX RATES
Pennsylvania
2026 TAX RATES
Texas
2026 TAX RATES
Utah
2026 TAX RATES
Virginia
2026 TAX RATES
How Hourly Paychecks Are Calculated in the United States
Hourly paychecks across the United States follow a similar general structure. Your gross pay is calculated by multiplying your hourly rate by the number of hours worked during a pay period. If you worked overtime, those hours are usually paid at a higher rate.
From your gross pay, payroll systems typically subtract federal income tax, Social Security tax (6.2%), and Medicare tax (1.45%). These federal deductions apply nationwide.
However, what truly changes your paycheck amount is state income tax, which varies widely across the country. That’s why a generic calculator often produces misleading results. A dedicated hourly paycheck calculator by state is required for accuracy.
Federal Income Tax
Applied based on brackets set by the IRS for the 2026 tax year.
Social Security
A fixed rate of 6.2% is deducted from your gross earnings up to a certain limit.
Medicare Tax
A standard 1.45% tax on all gross earnings to fund healthcare programs.
Why You Need a State-Specific Hourly Paycheck Calculator
Many workers search for an hourly paycheck calculator and are surprised when the estimate does not match their actual paycheck. The most common reason is state-level tax differences. A state hourly paycheck calculator accounts for whether your state has income tax, flat vs progressive rates, and local withholding rules.
- Whether your state has income tax
- Flat vs progressive state tax rates
- State-specific withholding rules
- Local payroll regulations
For example, workers in Texas or Florida take home more of their gross pay because those states do not impose state income tax. In contrast, states like California or New York apply higher and more complex tax structures. Using hourly paycheck calculators by state ensures your estimate reflects these real differences.
State Comparison Example
*Estimated 2026 net pay for a single filer with $4,000 gross monthly income.
Key Factors That Affect Your Hourly Paycheck
Even within the same state, hourly paychecks can vary significantly from one pay period to another. Understanding these variables helps you use any hourly paycheck calculator more effectively and plan your finances with higher precision.
Overtime Hours
Most non-exempt employees earn overtime pay at 1.5× their regular hourly rate for hours worked over 40 in a week. Overtime can substantially increase gross pay, but taxes still apply to these additional earnings.
Pay Frequency
Weekly, biweekly, semi-monthly, and monthly pay schedules affect how taxes are calculated and withheld, even if your annual hourly rate stays the same. Frequency determines the size of each individual check.
Pre-Tax Deductions
Contributions to 401(k) plans, health insurance premiums, or HSAs reduce your total taxable income. While this lowers your gross-to-net ratio, it often increases your long-term financial health.
Post-Tax Deductions
Items such as Roth 401(k) contributions or wage garnishments are deducted after taxes. These do not reduce your tax liability but lower your final net take-home pay directly.
Common Differences Between States
Not all states treat hourly income the same way. Here are a few important differences that impact your paycheck. Some states like Texas and Florida allow workers to keep more of their gross pay because they do not impose state income tax. Other states like North Carolina apply a flat income tax rate to all income.
Tax Systems Compared
States apply a single tax percentage to all taxable income, ensuring predictability for all earners regardless of their total gross pay.
States like California and New York use tax brackets where higher income levels are taxed at higher percentages, potentially reducing take-home pay significantly.
Because of these wide-ranging variations, comparing job offers across state lines or budgeting for a move without a state-specific hourly paycheck calculator often leads to inaccurate financial conclusions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about using an hourly paycheck calculator by state.
Why do hourly paycheck amounts differ by state?
State income tax laws, withholding rules, and mandatory deductions vary widely across the country. Each state uses its own tax tables and regulations, which directly affect your final net pay.
Do all states tax hourly income?
No. Several states like Texas, Florida, and Tennessee do not impose state income tax at all, while others use flat or progressive tax systems to fund state-level services and infrastructure.
Can these hourly paycheck calculators handle overtime?
Yes. Each calculator allows you to include overtime hours, which are typically calculated at 1.5× your regular hourly rate, and applies the necessary tax withholdings to those earnings.
Why doesn’t my estimate exactly match my paycheck?
Minor differences may occur due to rounding rules, specific employer benefit settings, or local taxes (like city or county taxes) that are not included in the standard state-level calculation.
Should I use a generic or state-specific calculator?
A state-specific hourly paycheck calculator is always more accurate than a generic one because it incorporates unique state tax brackets, local deductions (like CA SDI), and specific filing rules.
Choose the Right Hourly Paycheck Calculator
Knowing your real take-home pay is essential for budgeting, comparing job offers, and planning your financial future. Using hourly paycheck calculators by state ensures your estimates reflect real tax rules instead of averages.
Select your state above to calculate your hourly paycheck accurately and gain a clearer understanding of how taxes and deductions affect your earnings.