Pennsylvania Paycheck Calculator

Calculate your take-home pay per paycheck for salary and hourly jobs after federal & Pennsylvania taxes

Updated for 2024 tax year on Jul 06, 2024

Calculate your paycheck in these states

How to calculate your Pennsylvania paycheck

Overview of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania state has a population of over 12 million (2019). Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and the Gettysburg Address were written, is the largest city in the area.

Brief summary:

• the income tax is a flat rate of 3.07%
• local income tax for various cities
• subject to State Unemployment Insurance (SUI)
• no standard deduction and exemption

Understanding your Pennsylvania paycheck

Diving into the world of paychecks, especially in the Keystone State, can be a bit overwhelming. Before getting your take-home pay in Pennsylvania, you will notice withholdings for federal income taxes and FICA taxes. For the self-employed, you pay the entire FICA tax rate.

The Form W-4 plays a pivotal role in determining the amount of federal income tax withheld from your paycheck. It’s essential to keep this form up to date, especially after significant life events such as marriage or the birth of a child. Your marital status can influence your tax bracket and directly impact the taxes withheld from your earnings.

Pre-tax deductions lower your taxable income effectively. Contributions to retirement accounts, health savings accounts (HSAs), and other benefits can be deducted before taxes are applied, reducing your overall tax liability. These deductions are especially helpful for married couples, as they can enjoy potential tax savings through strategic financial planning.

The Pennsylvania income tax is aflat rate of 3.07%. The state also imposes a payroll tax for State Unemployment Insurance (SUI) of 0.06%.

Pennsylvania doesn’t offer a state standard deduction or personal exemptions, unlike many other states. Your taxable income remains unchanged, and the entire amount is subject to the state income tax rate.

Post-tax deductions are the final piece of the paycheck puzzle. These include items such as wage garnishments, union dues, and charitable contributions.

Calculate your Pennsylvania paycheck

Calculating your Pennsylvania state income tax is similar to the steps we listed on our main paycheck calculator page:

1. Determine your gross income
   • Annual salary
     Annual salary = Gross income
   • Hourly wage
     Hourly wage × Hours worked per day × Days worked per week × Weeks worked per year = Your weekly paycheck
2. Work out your total federal income tax
   1. Gross income adjusted
      Gross income − Pre-tax deductions = Gross income adjusted
   2. Federal taxable income
      Gross income adjusted − Federal standard/itemized deductions = Federal taxable income
   3. Federal income tax liability
      Federal taxable income × Federal income tax rate = Federal income tax liability
   4. Federal payroll tax liability
      Gross income × Federal payroll tax rate = Federal payroll tax liability
3. Calculate your total Pennsylvania state income tax
   1. Pennsylvania state taxable income
      Gross income adjusted − Pennsylvania state itemized deductions = Pennsylvania state taxable income
   2. Pennsylvania state income tax liability
      Pennsylvania state taxable income × Pennsylvania state income tax rate = Pennsylvania state income tax liability
   3. Pennsylvania state payroll tax liability
      Gross income × Pennsylvania state payroll tax rate = Pennsylvania state payroll tax liability
4. Derive your Pennsylvania local income tax liability
   (Gross income adjusted or Pennsylvania state taxable income) × Pennsylvania local income tax rate = Pennsylvania local income tax liability
5. Figure out your net pay
   You need to account for any other deductions such as health insurance, 401(k) contribution, as well as additional withholdings.
   Gross income − (Total income tax liability + Total payroll tax liability + Total pre-tax deductions + Total post-tax deductions + Total withholdings) = Your net pay
6. Divide your net pay by your pay frequency
   
   • Daily
     Your net pay / Days worked per week / Weeks worked per year = Your daily paycheck
   • Weekly
     Your net pay / 52 = Your weekly paycheck
   • Bi-weekly
     Your net pay / 26 = Your bi-weekly paycheck
   • Semi-monthly
     Your net pay / 24 = Your semi-monthly paycheck
   • Monthly
     Your net pay / 12 = Your monthly paycheck
   • Quarterly
     Your net pay / 4 = Your quarterly paycheck
   • Semi-annual
     Your net pay / 2 = Your semi-annual paycheck
   • Annual
     Your net pay = Your annual paycheck

State payroll tax

State income tax brackets

Refer to Tax Foundation for more details.

Local income tax

Based on local earned income.

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