Hourly Paycheck Estimator
How Your Hourly Paycheck is Calculated
Understanding your hourly paycheck involves more than just multiplying your wage by your hours. Your take-home pay is determined by your gross earnings minus various mandatory and voluntary deductions.
The Core Formula:
Gross Pay = (Regular Hours × Hourly Rate) + (Overtime Hours × Hourly Rate × 1.5)
Net Pay = Gross Pay – (Gross Pay × Tax Rate) – Fixed Deductions
Realistic Examples
| Job Role | Hourly Wage | Hours (Bi-weekly) | Est. Net Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Associate | $16.00 | 60 hours | ~$816.00 |
| Registered Nurse | $45.00 | 80 hours | ~$2,950.00 |
| Warehouse Lead | $22.00 | 90 hours (10 OT) | ~$1,750.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What counts as overtime?
In the United States, under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), overtime is generally any hours worked over 40 in a single workweek, paid at a rate of 1.5 times your regular pay.
2. Why is my actual check different?
This calculator provides an estimate. Actual paychecks vary based on state-specific taxes (SUI, SDI), local taxes, pre-tax versus post-tax 401k contributions, and health insurance premiums which change depending on your specific plan.
3. What are standard deductions?
Standard deductions typically include Federal Income Tax, Social Security (6.2%), and Medicare (1.45%). Many employees also have health insurance premiums and retirement contributions deducted directly from their pay.