Washington Paycheck Calculator

Estimate your net pay after federal and WA state deductions.

Estimated Paycheck Summary

Gross Pay$0.00
Federal Income Tax$0.00
Social Security (6.2%)$0.00
Medicare (1.45%)$0.00
WA PFML$0.00
WA Cares Fund$0.00
Net Pay (Take-Home)$0.00

Washington State Payroll Taxes: Beyond No Income Tax

While Washington is famous for having no state income tax, employees are subject to two mandatory statewide payroll deductions that affect your take-home pay.

Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)

This state-run insurance program provides paid leave for qualifying medical or family events. The premium is funded by both employers and employees. For 2024, the total premium rate is 0.74% of gross wages, with employees responsible for paying **71.43%** of that total premium. Our calculator automatically computes this for you.

WA Cares Fund

The WA Cares Fund is a mandatory long-term care insurance program for all Washington employees. The premium rate is **0.58%** of gross wages with no income cap. Funds are used to provide benefits for long-term care services. Limited exemptions are available for certain individuals.

Understanding Your Paycheck

Your paycheck boils down to a few key components. Here’s a breakdown of the terms you’ll see in our calculator and on your pay stub.

Gross Pay vs. Net Pay

Gross Pay is your total earnings before any deductions. Net Pay, or "take-home pay," is the amount you receive after all taxes and deductions have been subtracted.

Federal & FICA Taxes

Federal Income Tax is withheld by the federal government based on your W-4 settings. FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) is a payroll tax that funds Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is this Washington paycheck calculator 100% accurate?

This tool provides a close estimate of your take-home pay. It accounts for federal taxes, FICA, and major Washington state deductions like PFML and WA Cares. However, factors like local taxes, specific company benefits, or complex wage garnishments are not included. Your actual pay stub is always the most accurate source.

How do I change my tax withholding?

To change your tax withholding, you must submit a new Form W-4 to your employer's HR or payroll department. This is common after life events like marriage, having a child, or starting a new job.

Why is my take-home pay different from what I expected?

Discrepancies can arise from several factors: changes in your benefit contributions (like health insurance), one-time bonuses being taxed at a supplemental rate, or adjustments made on your W-4 form. Always check your official pay stub for a detailed breakdown.

Explore Paycheck Calculators for Other States

Use our free salary calculators to estimate your take-home pay in other states across the country.