California Paycheck Calculator 2026 – Estimate Your Take-Home Pay
Use our free California Paycheck Calculator to estimate your net pay for 2026. This tool acts as a CA net pay calculator by computing Federal taxes, FICA, California income tax, and the mandatory CA SDI tax. California has some of the highest tax rates in the U.S., making accurate planning essential. Whether you are salaried or use our California hourly pay calculator, get a clear breakdown of your earnings instantly.
- State Tax Rate: 1% – 13.3% (Progressive)
- CA SDI Tax: ~1.1% (Mandatory Disability Insurance)
- Mental Health Tax: +1% on income > $1M
- FICA Tax: 7.65% (Federal)
How the California Paycheck Calculator Works
Our California gross to net pay calculator applies the complex 2026 tax rules to give you an accurate estimate. We start with your gross earnings and subtract:
- Federal Withholding: Based on IRS tax brackets.
- FICA Taxes: 6.2% for Social Security and 1.45% for Medicare (plus 0.9% for high earners).
- CA SDI (State Disability Insurance): A mandatory payroll deduction of approximately 1.1% that funds paid family leave and disability benefits.
- California State Tax: A progressive tax with brackets ranging from 1% up to 13.3% for the highest earners.
California Income Tax Brackets (2026)
California has a highly progressive income tax system with many brackets. This California income tax calculator logic applies these rates specifically to your taxable income.
Single Filer Brackets
| Taxable Income Range | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $10,412 | 1.0% |
| $10,413 – $24,684 | 2.0% |
| $24,685 – $38,959 | 4.0% |
| $38,960 – $54,081 | 6.0% |
| $54,082 – $68,350 | 8.0% |
| $68,351 – $349,137 | 9.3% |
| $349,138 – $418,961 | 10.3% |
| $418,962 – $698,271 | 11.3% |
| $698,272 – $1,000,000 | 12.3% |
| Over $1,000,000 | 13.3% + 1% Mental Health Tax |
Federal Taxes That Apply to Your Paycheck
Federal Income Tax
The IRS imposes a progressive tax ranging from 10% to 37%. Your specific rate depends on your filing status and total taxable income.
Additional Medicare Tax
For high earners (typically above $200,000), an Additional Medicare Tax of 0.9% applies, bringing the total Medicare deduction to 2.35% on excess income.
California Paycheck After Taxes for $75,000 Salary
If you are a single filer in Los Angeles or San Francisco earning $75,000 per year, your breakdown looks like this:
| Tax Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Federal Tax (Est.) | $8,900 |
| FICA (7.65%) | $5,737 |
| CA SDI (~1.1%) | $825 |
| State Tax (Est.) | $2,950 |
| Estimated Take-Home Pay | $56,588 |
Minimum Wage & Cost of Living
California has one of the highest minimum wages in the country ($16.00+ per hour in 2026). However, the cost of living—especially housing and gasoline—is among the highest in the nation.
How to Increase Your Take-Home Pay
To maximize your California salary calculator results, ensure your W-4 form is accurate. Contributing to a 401(k) or HSA is highly effective in California because it lowers your taxable income, potentially dropping you into a lower state tax bracket (e.g., from 9.3% to 8%).
FAQs – California Paycheck Calculator
What is the CA SDI tax rate for 2026?
The California State Disability Insurance (SDI) rate is approximately 1.1% of gross wages. This is a mandatory deduction for most employees that covers disability and Paid Family Leave (PFL).
How much is state income tax in California?
California tax rates range from 1% to 13.3%. A special 1% Mental Health Services tax applies to income over $1 million.
Does California have local city income taxes?
No. Unlike New York City or some Ohio cities, California cities (like LA or SF) do not levy a local personal income tax on wages.