How US Gross-to-Net Works
Your take-home pay equals gross salary minus Social Security (6.2% on wages up to $176,100), Medicare (1.45%), and federal income tax. The 2026 standard deduction for single filers is $15,000. This calculator uses binary search to find the exact gross salary that produces your target monthly net pay.
Estimated Gross Salary Reference
| Monthly Take-Home | Required Annual Gross (est.) |
|---|---|
| $3,000 | ~$43,000 |
| $4,000 | ~$58,000 |
| $5,000 | ~$75,000 |
| $7,000 | ~$109,000 |
| $10,000 | ~$161,000 |
This estimate covers federal taxes only for single filers. State income taxes, 401(k) contributions, and health insurance premiums are not included and can significantly affect actual take-home pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
No — state tax rates range from 0% to over 13% and are not included. Add your estimated state tax on top of the federal result for a complete picture.
Yes — pre-tax 401(k) contributions reduce taxable income, meaning you may need a lower gross than shown to reach your target net after accounting for contributions.