California Paycheck Calculator

Calculate your California take-home pay after federal taxes, FICA, California state income tax, and SDI.

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Enter Your Gross Pay

California Taxes Explained

Federal Income Tax10% – 37% (progressive brackets)
Social Security6.2% (up to $168,600 wage base)
Medicare1.45% (+ 0.9% over $200k)
CA State Income Tax1% – 13.3% (progressive)
CA SDI1.1% (no wage ceiling in 2025)

How to Use This Calculator

Enter your gross pay (your earnings before any taxes or deductions are taken out) and select how often you are paid. Choose your federal filing status and optionally enter a 401(k) contribution percentage. Hit Calculate Take-Home to see a full line-by-line breakdown of every deduction and your actual net pay per paycheck.

The calculator applies the standard federal deduction and California's progressive state income tax brackets. It is designed for employees with a single job and no other significant income sources. If your situation is more complex — multiple jobs, itemized deductions, self-employment — consult a tax professional.

Understanding Your California Paycheck

California workers face a higher combined tax burden than most other states, due primarily to California's top state income tax rate of 13.3% — the highest of any US state. Here is what each line on your paycheck stub means:

  • Federal Income Tax — Progressive rates from 10% to 37%, applied to your income after subtracting the standard deduction ($14,600 for single filers in 2025).
  • Social Security (6.2%) — Funds the federal retirement and disability program. Only applies up to the annual wage base ($168,600).
  • Medicare (1.45%) — Funds federal health insurance for retirees and certain disabled individuals. An additional 0.9% surtax applies on wages over $200,000.
  • California State Income Tax — Progressive brackets from 1% to 13.3%. California does not recognize federal 401(k) deferrals, so pre-tax 401(k) contributions are still subject to state tax.
  • CA SDI (1.1%) — State Disability Insurance. Funds short-term disability benefits and California's Paid Family Leave program. There is no wage ceiling.
Why is California take-home pay lower than other states? +
California has the highest top state income tax rate in the US (13.3%) and charges SDI on all wages with no ceiling. Combined with federal taxes and FICA, workers in California typically keep 65–80% of their gross pay depending on income and filing status.
Does California tax Social Security benefits? +
No. California does not tax Social Security retirement benefits at the state level. The federal government may tax up to 85% of your benefits depending on your combined income, but California exempts them entirely.
Can I reduce my California tax bill? +
Pre-tax contributions to a 401(k) or HSA reduce your federal taxable income, though California taxes 401(k) contributions at the state level. Itemizing deductions — mortgage interest, property taxes, charitable donations — may reduce both federal and state liability if your itemized total exceeds the standard deduction.
What is SDI and is it mandatory? +
SDI (State Disability Insurance) is a mandatory California payroll deduction for most employees. It funds short-term disability benefits (if you can't work due to illness or injury) and California's Paid Family Leave program. Employers with a voluntary plan approved by the state may substitute that plan for SDI.

Tax rates shown are based on the latest available data but may not reflect the most recent legislative changes. Always verify current rates at your state's official revenue department website before making financial decisions.