California Net Pay Calculator

Calculate your exact take-home pay after taxes, deductions, and benefits. Get accurate net pay calculations for California employees in 2025.

Calculate Net Pay View Deductions

Take-Home Pay Calculator

Enter your salary and deduction information to calculate your net pay

Common Payroll Deductions (2025)

Required Tax Deductions

Federal Income Tax

Based on IRS tax brackets and W-4 withholding allowances

10% - 37%
California State Tax

Progressive tax rates based on income level

1% - 13.3%
Social Security Tax

Employee portion on wages up to $168,600

6.2%
Medicare Tax

Employee portion on all wages

1.45%
CA State Disability (SDI)

California disability insurance on wages up to $153,164

0.9%

Pre-Tax Deductions

401(k) Contributions

Retirement savings reduce taxable income

Up to $23,500
Health Insurance Premiums

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Varies
Health Savings Account (HSA)

Triple tax-advantaged health savings

Up to $4,300/$8,550
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Pre-tax dollars for medical expenses

Up to $3,200
Commuter Benefits

Transit and parking expenses

Up to $315/month

Post-Tax Deductions

Roth 401(k) Contributions

After-tax retirement contributions

Up to $23,500
Life Insurance Premiums

Coverage over $50,000 employer-provided

Varies
Disability Insurance

Additional disability coverage

Varies
Union Dues

Labor union membership fees

Varies
Garnishments

Court-ordered wage garnishments

Varies

Voluntary Deductions

Dependent Care FSA

Pre-tax dollars for child/elder care

Up to $5,000
Supplemental Life Insurance

Additional life insurance coverage

Varies
Legal Services Plan

Pre-paid legal assistance benefits

$15-30/month
Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Purchase company stock at discount

Up to 15% discount
Charitable Contributions

Payroll deduction for donations

Varies

Employee Benefits & Optimization

Maximize Pre-Tax Savings

Pre-tax deductions reduce your taxable income, lowering your overall tax burden and increasing your take-home pay efficiency.

  • 401(k): $23,500 annual limit (2025)
  • HSA: $4,300 individual / $8,550 family
  • FSA: $3,200 annual limit
  • Commuter: $315/month for transit + parking

Health Benefits Strategy

Choose the right health plan and maximize health savings accounts for optimal financial and health outcomes.

  • Compare high-deductible vs. traditional plans
  • HSA triple tax advantage
  • FSA use-it-or-lose-it rules
  • Dependent care FSA: $5,000 limit

Tax Withholding Optimization

Adjust your W-4 withholdings to optimize cash flow while avoiding large tax bills or refunds.

  • Review W-4 after life changes
  • Target $0-$1,000 owed at tax time
  • Consider quarterly estimated payments
  • Use IRS withholding calculator

Education & Development

Take advantage of employer education benefits and professional development opportunities.

  • Tuition reimbursement programs
  • Professional certification support
  • Conference and training allowances
  • Student loan assistance programs

California Payroll Requirements

Pay Frequency Requirements
  • Executive/Administrative: Monthly minimum
  • Other Employees: Semi-monthly minimum
  • Commission Workers: Monthly minimum
  • Temporary Workers: Weekly or daily
Final Pay Requirements
  • Termination: Immediately
  • Resignation (72+ hours notice): Last day
  • Resignation (no notice): Within 72 hours
  • Includes: All wages, accrued vacation, commissions
Overtime Pay Requirements
  • Non-exempt employees: 1.5x rate after 8 hours/day
  • Double time: After 12 hours/day or 8+ hours on 7th day
  • Alternative workweek: 1.5x after 10 hours (if approved)
  • Meal/rest breaks: Required premium pay for violations
Payroll Record Requirements
  • Retention period: 3 years minimum
  • Pay stub details: Hours, rates, deductions, dates
  • Employee access: Must provide copies upon request
  • Wage statements: Required with each pay period

Frequently Asked Questions About Net Pay

Gross pay is your total earnings before any deductions, while net pay (take-home pay) is what you receive after taxes, insurance premiums, retirement contributions, and other deductions are subtracted.

California employees typically pay 25-35% of their gross income in combined federal, state, and payroll taxes, depending on income level and filing status. Higher earners may pay up to 50% in total taxes.

Common pre-tax deductions include 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums, HSA contributions, FSA contributions, and commuter benefits. These reduce your taxable income and overall tax burden.

Review your paycheck deductions annually during open enrollment, after major life changes (marriage, divorce, new baby), or when your income changes significantly to ensure optimal tax withholding and benefit elections.

Important Payroll Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates based on 2025 tax rates and standard deduction amounts. Actual net pay may vary based on specific circumstances, additional deductions, employer policies, and local tax requirements. This tool is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional payroll or tax advice. Consult with your HR department or a qualified payroll professional for specific questions about your pay.