What's your raise
actually worth?
Enter your current salary and raise amount to see exactly how much more you'll take home after federal, state, and FICA taxes — updated for 2026.
Single filer · California · 2026 tax brackets
How a Raise Affects Your Tax Bracket
A common misconception: getting a raise into a higher bracket does not mean all your income is taxed at the new rate. Only the income above the threshold is taxed at the higher rate.
Example: the 22% federal bracket starts at $48,475 for single filers in 2026. If you earn $47,000 and get a $5,000 raise:
- Your first $48,475 is still taxed at 10% and 12%
- Only the $3,525 above the threshold is taxed at 22%
- Your marginal rate goes up, but your effective rate rises only slightly
This means a raise is nearly always worth taking, even if it crosses a bracket line.
What You Actually Take Home After a Raise
Not all of a raise lands in your pocket. Here is a rough breakdown for a $5,000 annual raise in a moderate-tax state:
- Federal income tax: roughly 22% → $1,100
- State income tax: varies — $0 in no-tax states, up to 9%+ in CA, NY, NJ
- FICA (Social Security + Medicare): 7.65% below the wage base → $382
In a mid-range state, you would likely net $3,000–$3,600 of a $5,000 raise. Use this calculator to see the exact number for your salary, state, and filing status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a raise push me into a higher tax bracket?+
Possibly, but only the income above the new bracket threshold is taxed at the higher rate — not your entire salary. Crossing a bracket line is almost always a net financial win.
How much of my raise do I actually keep?+
It depends on your bracket and state. In a moderate-tax state, expect to keep roughly 60–75% of a raise after federal, state, and FICA taxes.
Does a raise affect my Social Security or Medicare withholding?+
Yes. Both are taxed at 7.65% on earned income up to the Social Security wage base ($176,100 in 2026). Income above that limit is only subject to the 1.45% Medicare portion.
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