| Annual Net Income: | $ 0.00 |
| Federal Income Tax: | – $ 0.00 |
| CA State Income Tax: | – $ 0.00 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare): | – $ 0.00 |
| CA SDI: | – $ 0.00 |
| Total Annual Taxes: | $ 0.00 |
Using the California Salary Calculator
Understanding your take-home pay in the Golden State can be complex due to progressive tax brackets and specific state-level deductions. Our California salary calculator is designed to provide a realistic estimate of your net pay after accounting for federal income tax, California state tax, FICA, and State Disability Insurance (SDI).
To get the most accurate result, follow these steps:
- Gross Annual Salary
- Enter your total yearly pay before any taxes or deductions are removed. This is usually the "base salary" listed in your employment offer.
- Filing Status
- Select your tax filing status. California and the Federal government use this to determine your standard deduction and tax brackets.
- Pre-tax Deductions
- Include contributions to 401(k) plans, traditional IRAs, or health insurance premiums that are deducted before taxes are calculated.
How It Works: California Tax Components
When you use the california salary calculator, it applies several layers of taxation. California has one of the most progressive state income tax systems in the United States, with rates ranging from 1% to 13.3% for the highest earners.
Net Pay = Gross Salary – (Federal Tax + State Tax + FICA + SDI + Pre-tax Deductions)
- Federal Income Tax: Progressive brackets based on your taxable income after the standard deduction.
- California State Tax: Specific CA brackets and a unique standard deduction amount.
- FICA: Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%).
- CA SDI: California State Disability Insurance, which is a mandatory payroll tax for most CA employees (approx. 1.1% in 2024).
Calculation Example
Example: A single individual living in Los Angeles earning $85,000 annually with no pre-tax deductions.
Step-by-step estimate:
- Gross Pay: $85,000
- Federal Standard Deduction: -$14,600 (Taxable: $70,400)
- Federal Tax Estimate: ~$10,500
- California Standard Deduction: -$5,363 (Taxable: $79,637)
- CA State Tax Estimate: ~$4,000
- FICA + SDI (approx 8.75%): ~$7,437
- Total Annual Net: ~$63,063
- Bi-weekly Paycheck: ~$2,425.50
Common Questions
Why is California tax higher than other states?
California uses a progressive tax system designed to fund extensive state services, infrastructure, and social programs. Higher earners pay a significantly higher percentage, while lower earners may pay very little state tax.
What is SDI on my California paycheck?
SDI stands for State Disability Insurance. It provides temporary benefit payments to workers who have a full or partial loss of wages due to non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. This is a mandatory deduction for most employees in the state.
Can pre-tax deductions save me money?
Yes. By contributing to a 401(k) or health savings account (HSA), you reduce your "Taxable Income." This means the california salary calculator will show a lower total tax burden because you are only being taxed on the money you take home, not the money you invested pre-tax.