California Hourly Paycheck Calculator (2025)
Instantly estimate your take-home pay with our free calculator, specifically designed for California's unique tax laws. See a precise breakdown of your net salary after federal & state taxes, CA SDI, and other deductions.
Your Estimated California Paycheck Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at where your money goes. The results update instantly as you adjust your inputs.
California Paycheck Calculator 2025
Accurate calculations for California residents
Basic Information
Los Angeles County - Local tax rates may apply
California Overtime Rules
Pre-tax Deductions
Your California Paycheck
Deductions
California-Specific Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for California residents. Actual pay may differ due to:
- Local city/county taxes
- California disability insurance (SDI)
- Employer-specific deductions
- California overtime laws
- Mid-year tax law changes
Consult a California tax professional for precise calculations.
How California Hourly Paycheck Calculator Works
Our calculator uses advanced algorithms to provide accurate paycheck estimates based on California's unique tax laws and regulations.
Enter Your Information
Input your hourly wage, work hours, pay frequency, and filing status. Our calculator automatically applies California-specific settings.
Real-Time Calculations
Our algorithm instantly calculates federal taxes, California state taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and CA SDI based on current 2025 rates.
Detailed Breakdown
See exactly how much goes to taxes, benefits, and your pocket. Get both gross and net pay with percentage breakdowns.
Export & Share
Download your results as a PDF or print them for your records. Share calculations with your employer or tax professional.
California-Specific Calculations
Includes CA SDI, state disability insurance, and local tax considerations unique to California residents.
2025 Tax Rates
Uses the latest federal and California tax brackets, ensuring your calculations are current and accurate.
Overtime Support
Calculates California overtime rates (1.5x after 8 hours/day, 2x after 12 hours/day) automatically.
Pre-tax Deductions
Accounts for 401(k), HSA, FSA, and other pre-tax benefits that reduce your taxable income.
Understanding Your California Paycheck
California's tax system is one of the most complex in the nation. High progressive tax rates and unique state-level deductions mean your paycheck can look significantly different from a paycheck in another state. Our calculator is designed to handle these nuances for you.
California State Tax vs. Federal Tax
Federal Income Tax
Federal Income Tax: This is paid to the U.S. government (the IRS). The rates are the same for everyone across the country, based on your income and filing status.
California State Income Tax
California State Income Tax: This is paid to the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB). California has one of the highest state income tax rates in the U.S., with a progressive bracket system.
2025 California State Tax Brackets
California uses a progressive tax system, meaning higher earners pay a higher percentage of their income in taxes. The 2025 rates range from 1% to 13.3%. Our calculator automatically applies the correct bracket based on your inputs.
Note: These are illustrative brackets. The calculator uses the latest official 2025 figures.
Key Paycheck Terms Explained
Gross Pay
Your total earnings before any taxes or deductions are taken out.
Net Pay (Take-Home Pay)
The amount you actually receive in your bank account after all deductions.
FICA
Federal Insurance Contributions Act, which includes Social Security and Medicare taxes.
CA SDI
California State Disability Insurance, a mandatory deduction for most California employees to fund short-term disability and paid family leave benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions about California Paychecks
Why is my California paycheck so small?
This is a common question. The primary reasons your take-home pay in California might seem lower than in other states are: High State Income Tax: California has one of the highest progressive state income tax rates in the country. Mandatory SDI: The California State Disability Insurance (SDI) is an additional deduction that most other states do not have. High Cost of Living: While not a direct deduction, higher wages intended to offset the cost of living can push you into a higher federal tax bracket.
How is California overtime calculated?
California has stricter overtime laws than many other states. Overtime is generally calculated at 1.5x your regular rate for hours worked over 8 in a day or 40 in a week. It becomes 2x your regular rate for hours worked over 12 in a day. Our calculator's advanced options can help you estimate this.
What is California SDI and how much is it?
California SDI is a state-mandated insurance program that provides short-term Disability Insurance (DI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL) benefits to eligible workers. The rate for 2025 is 1.1% of your gross pay, up to a certain annual wage limit. Our calculator includes this automatically.
How accurate is this California paycheck calculator?
Our tool uses the latest 2025 federal and California tax regulations to provide a highly accurate estimate. However, it should be used for informational purposes only. Your actual paycheck may vary slightly due to employer-specific benefits, local taxes (in some cities), or other unique deductions.
Ready to See Your Real Numbers?
Scroll back up to use the most comprehensive California Paycheck Calculator and get instant clarity on your earnings.