California Payroll Calculator
Free California (CA) payroll calculator with 2026 state and federal tax rates. Estimates are for planning — not tax advice.
Paycheck Breakdown
- Gross Pay$3,019.23
- Federal Income Tax−$324.62
- California State Tax−$124.00
- Social Security (6.2%)−$93.60
- Medicare (1.45%)−$21.89
- SDI−$33.21
- Net Pay$2,421.92
Employer Payroll Cost
- Employer SS Match (6.2%)$187.19
- Employer Medicare (1.45%)$43.78
California Paycheck & Tax Overview
California applies progressive income tax up to 13.3% and mandatory State Disability Insurance (SDI) on wages. The California minimum wage is $16.90/hour as of 2026 (verify with your state labor department for the latest rate). Workers in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and elsewhere in California face among the highest combined state and federal burdens in the U.S. — this calculator includes CA SDI and 2026 FTB brackets.
California State Income Tax Brackets — 2026
| Taxable income (annual) | Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $11,079 | 1.00% |
| $11,079 – $26,264 | 2.00% |
| $26,264 – $41,452 | 4.00% |
| $41,452 – $57,542 | 6.00% |
| $57,542 – $72,724 | 8.00% |
| $72,724 – $371,479 | 9.30% |
| $371,479 – $445,771 | 10.30% |
| $445,771 – $742,953 | 11.30% |
| $742,953 – $1,000,000 | 12.30% |
| $1,000,000 and above | 13.30% |
Plus California SDI withholding at 1.1% of gross wages.
Example: California paycheck for $78,500/year salary
Single filer, biweekly pay — estimated $3,019 gross per check, about $2,422 take-home after federal ($325), state ($124), and FICA ($115). Enter your own numbers in the calculator for a personalized result.
Official tax sources
We align calculations with IRS Publication 15-T and state revenue guidance. Verify rules on official sites:
More California calculator tools
All state calculators · ← US Paycheck Calculator · California Pay Stub Generator →
California Paycheck Calculator FAQ
Does California have state income tax on paychecks?
Yes. California uses a progressive income tax with rates from 1% to 13.3%. Our calculator applies the official 2026 brackets, standard deductions, and personal exemptions for accurate withholding estimates.
How much tax is taken out of a $78,500/year salary paycheck in California?
For a single filer paid biweekly, estimated biweekly gross is about $3,019 with net take-home around $2,422 (federal ~$325, state ~$124, FICA ~$115). Your actual check varies with W-4, benefits, and local taxes.
What is California SDI on my paycheck?
California withholds State Disability Insurance at about 1.1% of gross wages, in addition to state income tax and federal withholding.
What is the California minimum wage for 2026?
California's reference minimum wage on this page is $16.90/hour. Minimum wage affects gross pay; net pay depends on withholding and deductions in the calculator above.
What payroll taxes do California employers pay?
Employers match employee Social Security (6.2% up to the wage base) and Medicare (1.45%). California may require state unemployment and withholding deposits — employee state income tax is separate from employer FICA.
Is this California calculator updated for 2026?
Yes. We update California brackets, flat rates, SDI, and federal tables each tax year. Last reviewed for the 2026 tax year. Estimates only — not tax advice.