California Paycheck Calculator 2026
Estimate your California take-home pay after federal tax, California income tax (EDD Method B), Social Security, Medicare and uncapped 1.3% SDI. Includes overtime, bonuses, 401(k), DE 4 and W-4 settings, and an interactive map of local minimum wages.
Deductions (401k, health, HSA)
California taxes HSA contributions. 401(k) deferrals reduce income tax but still pay SDI, Social Security and Medicare.
Withholding (W-4 & DE 4)
Add a bonus or commission
Interactive California Minimum Wage Map
Your city sets your pay floor. Tap a pin to apply its 2026 minimum wage and see how your pay compares.
How California paycheck taxes work in 2026
A California paycheck is smaller than your gross pay because employers withhold six things: federal income tax, Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), California personal income tax, California State Disability Insurance (SDI) and any voluntary deductions such as a 401(k) or health plan. This free California paycheck calculator runs the same exact-calculation formula employers use, so you can estimate your net pay, hourly take-home or salary after tax in seconds.
| 2026 payroll item | Rate | Wage limit |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security (employee) | 6.2% | $184,500 |
| Medicare (employee) | 1.45% (+0.9% over $200,000) | None |
| California SDI (includes Paid Family Leave) | 1.3% | None (cap removed in 2024) |
| CA withholding on bonuses and stock | 10.23% | None |
| CA withholding on other supplemental pay | 6.6% | None |
| Federal supplemental withholding | 22% | Flat rate |
California income tax brackets
California has nine progressive rates from 1% to 12.3%, plus a 1% mental health services tax on income above $1 million (13.3% top rate). Paychecks use the EDD Method B schedule, which applies a 10% higher withholding rate to each bracket (1.1% to 14.63%) so enough is withheld during the year. The 2025 tax-year brackets below are the ones the EDD uses for 2026 withholding.
| Rate | Single | Head of household |
|---|---|---|
| 1% | $0 – $11,079 | $0 – $22,173 |
| 2% | to $26,264 | to $52,530 |
| 4% | to $41,452 | to $67,716 |
| 6% | to $57,542 | to $83,805 |
| 8% | to $72,724 | to $98,990 |
| 9.3% | to $371,479 | to $505,208 |
| 10.3% | to $445,771 | to $606,251 |
| 11.3% | to $742,953 | to $1,010,417 |
| 12.3% | over $742,953 | over $1,010,417 |
The 2026 California standard deduction for withholding is $5,706 (single, or married with 0–1 allowances) or $11,412 (married with 2+ allowances or head of household). Each DE 4 allowance gives a $168.30 annual credit, and wages up to $18,896 (or $37,791 for the larger group) are exempt from withholding.
California minimum wage and overtime rules
- State minimum wage: $16.90 per hour in 2026, rising to $17.40 on January 1, 2027.
- Local rates: more than 40 cities and counties pay more, up to $20.34 in Emeryville. Employers must pay the highest rate that applies.
- Fast food: $20.00 per hour at chains with 60+ locations nationwide. Health care workers have separate scheduled rates.
- Daily overtime: 1.5x after 8 hours in a day or 40 in a week, and 2x after 12 hours in a day. On the seventh consecutive workday, the first 8 hours earn 1.5x and anything beyond earns 2x.
- Exempt salary floor: $70,304 per year (two times minimum wage for full-time work).
How to raise your California take-home pay
- Increase pre-tax 401(k) or 403(b) contributions to lower federal and California income tax.
- Use pre-tax health, dental and vision premiums, which also avoid FICA and SDI.
- Update your DE 4 and W-4 after a marriage, new child or second job to avoid over- or under-withholding.
- Compare cities: the same job can carry a very different legal wage floor from San Diego to San Francisco.
California paycheck calculator FAQ
How much is taken out of a paycheck in California?
Typically 20% to 30% for middle incomes, covering federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, California income tax and 1.3% SDI. Use the calculator above for your exact figure.
What is the California SDI rate for 2026?
1.3% of all wages, with no wage ceiling since January 1, 2024. It funds State Disability Insurance and Paid Family Leave. The 2026 maximum weekly benefit is $1,765.
Does California tax bonuses at a higher rate?
Bonuses and stock options are withheld at a flat 10.23% for California and 22% federal when paid separately. This is only withholding. Your true tax is settled when you file your return.
Is the California paycheck calculator accurate?
It follows the EDD 2026 Method B schedule, IRS 2026 brackets and current FICA rules. Payroll software may differ by a few dollars because of rounding, benefits and local taxes. Treat results as an estimate.
What is the minimum wage in Los Angeles or San Francisco?
As of July 1, 2026, $18.42 in the City of Los Angeles and $19.61 in San Francisco. Use the map above for more cities.
Does California have local income tax?
No. California has no city or county income tax. Only the state tax and SDI apply, in addition to federal taxes.
Sources: EDD 2026 Employer’s Guide (DE 44) and Method B schedules, FTB 2025 rate schedules, IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32, SSA 2026 wage base, California DIR minimum wage page, City of San Diego. Estimates only, not tax or legal advice. Last verified November 3, 2026.