Pennsylvania payroll · 2026
Pennsylvania paycheck calculator.
A Pennsylvania paycheck loses federal income tax withholding, FICA, Pennsylvania income tax at a flat 3.07%, the 0.07% employee unemployment contribution and any local tax you enter. Everything runs in your browser.
Your pay
Estimated Pennsylvania paycheck (2026)
Pennsylvania worked example
- Gross pay $3,100.00 (every two weeks, single), minus $100.00 section 125 and $200.00 traditional 401(k) = $300.00 pre-tax.
- Federal income tax withholding (IRS Pub. 15-T percentage method): $276.38.
- Social Security 6.2% and Medicare 1.45% of $3,000.00: $186.00 and $43.50.
- Pennsylvania 3.07% of $3,000.00 (the 401(k) deferral is not excluded): $92.10; local 1% on the same wages: $30.00.
- PA unemployment compensation (employee): $2.17.
- Take-home: $2,169.85 per pay period, about $56,416 a year. Total taxes are 20.33% of gross.
Federal income tax uses Form W-4 (2020 or later) with the Step 2 box unchecked and no Step 3 or Step 4 entries; use the U.S. paycheck calculator if you need those.
Pennsylvania take-home pay at common salaries
Single filer, paid every two weeks, no pre-tax deductions. Annual figures after federal tax, FICA and the state items this page models.
| Salary | Pennsylvania take-home / year | Texas take-home / year | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $33,064 | $34,320 | −$1,256 |
| $60,000 | $48,506 | $50,390 | −$1,884 |
| $80,000 | $62,598 | $65,110 | −$2,512 |
| $100,000 | $76,040 | $79,180 | −$3,140 |
| $150,000 | $109,081 | $113,791 | −$4,710 |
How it is calculated
Federal withholding is IRS Publication 15-T (2026) Worksheet 1A for a Form W-4 from 2020 or later: annualise taxable wages, subtract the $8,600 standard amount ($12,900 if married filing jointly), apply the annual percentage-method table, and divide by pay periods. Social Security is 6.2% up to the 2026 wage base of $184,500, Medicare is 1.45% with no limit, and Additional Medicare Tax is 0.9% beyond $200,000 in the year (IRS Publication 15, 2026). Pennsylvania: 3.07% of compensation, where compensation is gross pay minus the health section 125 amount you enter. A 401(k) deferral stays in Pennsylvania compensation (PA DSM-12). The 0.07% employee unemployment contribution applies to gross pay with no cap, and an optional local rate you enter applies to the same wages as the state tax. Not covered: W-4s from 2019 or earlier, bonuses and other supplemental wages (flat-rate rules apply), local taxes unless stated, and wage bracket method rounding.
Sources and as-of dates
- Pennsylvania Department of Revenue: Employer Withholding (flat 3.07%)
- PA Personal Income Tax Guide DSM-12 (12-2023): Income Subject to Tax Withholding
- PA Department of Labor & Industry: UC tax yearly highlights (employee withholding 0.07% of gross wages, no cap; page retrieved October 2026)
- IRS Publication 15-T (2026), Federal Income Tax Withholding Methods
- IRS Publication 15 (2026), Employer’s Tax Guide
- Figures retrieved October 2026. Federal and state agencies republish these tables each year; this tool covers 2026 only.
FAQ
Does Pennsylvania tax 401(k) deferrals?
Yes, for state income tax. The Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax Guide (DSM-12, Income Subject to Tax Withholding) lists amounts deducted from pay and contributed to a 401(k) as taxable compensation to the extent not already in federal wages, even though they are exempt from federal income tax withholding. Health-type section 125 premiums are not taxed. This calculator follows that split.
What are the PA unemployment and local tax lines?
Pennsylvania Labor & Industry states the employee unemployment compensation withholding is 0.07% of gross wages with no cap. Local taxes are not looked up: enter your combined local earned income tax rate in the optional box and it is applied to the same wages as the state tax.
How does Pennsylvania take-home pay compare with Texas?
For a single filer paid $60,000 a year every two weeks with no pre-tax deductions, this calculator gives about $48,506 a year in Pennsylvania and $50,390 in Texas, $1,884 less in Pennsylvania. See the full list on the paycheck calculator by state.
Why does my real paycheck differ from this estimate?
Employers may use the wage bracket method, round differently, apply your exact Form W-4 and state withholding certificate, and withhold local, benefit and other amounts this tool does not model. Treat the result as an estimate, not tax advice.
Does a 401(k) deferral lower Social Security and Medicare tax?
No. Per IRS Publication 15, elective 401(k) deferrals are exempt from federal income tax withholding but remain subject to Social Security and Medicare tax. Section 125 cafeteria-plan benefits such as health premiums generally are not.
When does Social Security tax stop?
After an employee’s wages for the year reach the 2026 wage base limit of $184,500. Enter wages already paid this year to see the cap applied to this check. Medicare has no limit; Additional Medicare Tax of 0.9% applies above $200,000.