How hourly-to-salary conversion works
The math is simple: hourly rate × hours per week × weeks per year = annual salary. So $25/hour at 40 hours a week for all 52 weeks is $52,000 a year gross. The take-home estimate then applies the 2026 federal figures to produce an estimated annual tax liability — this is not a replica of your employer's payroll withholding:
- Federal income tax — 2026 single-filer brackets (10%–37%) on taxable income after the $16,100 standard deduction.
- Social Security — 6.2% on the first $184,500 of wages (2026 wage base).
- Medicare — 1.45% on all wages, plus 0.9% extra above $200,000 (single).
Why this is federal-only
State income tax ranges from 0% in nine states to over 13% at the top in California, so there's no honest one-size-fits-all number. If you want the version with your state baked in, use the main take-home pay calculator.
Related tools
Frequently asked questions
How do you convert an hourly wage to an annual salary?
Multiply your hourly rate by your hours per week, then by 52 (or fewer weeks if you take unpaid time off). $30/hour × 40 hours × 52 weeks = $62,400 per year. Note that's gross pay — your take-home will be lower after taxes.
Why is my take-home so much lower than my converted salary?
FICA taxes (Social Security + Medicare) take 7.65% right off the top, and federal income tax takes more on top of that. The estimate above shows each layer so you can see where your money goes — approximately.
Does this include state income tax?
No — the take-home estimate on this page is federal taxes only, so it's the same for everyone in the U.S. For your state-specific result, run the full take-home pay calculator, which includes state tax.
How do I account for unpaid vacation?
Lower the "weeks worked per year" field. Two unpaid weeks = 50 weeks; a month off = 48. Paid time off doesn't change anything — you still get paid for those weeks.
Should I compare job offers by hourly rate or salary?
Compare by take-home, not headline numbers. A $28/hour offer at 35 hours/week ($50,960/year) beats a $52,000 salary once you see both after tax — and don't forget benefits, which don't show up in either number.
Methodology
Federal figures are the 2026 IRS inflation adjustments (single-filer brackets: 10% to $12,400; 12% to $50,400; 22% to $105,700; 24% to $201,775; 32% to $256,225; 35% to $640,600; 37% above; $16,100 standard deduction) and the 2026 Social Security wage base of $184,500. This page assumes a single filer taking the standard deduction, with no pre-tax deductions, credits, or state/local taxes. Estimates only — not tax advice.