Learn
Salary & Take-Home Pay Guides
Salary guides, take-home pay breakdowns, and career finance advice — free from MyTakeHomeCalc. Updated for 2026 tax brackets.
What Is a Good Salary in 2026? The Real Answer by City and Lifestyle
The US median individual income is $59,000 — but 'good' depends on where you live. Here's the real number by city, adjusted for what it actually takes home.
How to Negotiate Your Salary: Scripts and Strategies That Work (2026)
Most people leave 10–20% on the table by accepting the first offer. Here's a step-by-step system for negotiating salary — including word-for-word scripts.
1099 vs. W-2: Which Actually Pays More After Taxes?
Self-employment tax hits 1099 workers for 15.3% on net earnings — but deductions offset it. Here's the real break-even math at $80,000.
Salary vs. Hourly: Which Is Actually Better for Your Take-Home Pay?
Overtime eligibility, benefits, and stability make this more than a simple math problem. Here's how to compare a $75K salary offer to a $38/hr hourly rate.
How Much House Can I Afford Based on My Salary?
The 28% gross income rule understates the real cost. Your take-home pay — not gross — is what pays the mortgage. Here's the math that actually works.
How Much Will a Raise Actually Add to My Paycheck? (Real Math)
A $5,000 raise doesn't add $417/month to your paycheck. After marginal taxes, it's often $280–$340. Here's the exact math at three salary levels.
Does a Raise Change Your Tax Bracket? (The Marginal Rate Myth)
No — only the income above the bracket threshold is taxed at the higher rate. Your other income doesn't get re-taxed. Here's the math that proves it.
How to Ask for a Raise and Actually Get It (Scripts + Timing Guide)
Timing, research, and exact word-for-word scripts for asking for a raise — including how to use a competing offer without burning bridges.
Promotion vs. Lateral Move: Which Pays More After Taxes?
A $10k promotion bump and a $15k lateral move sound different — but after taxes, the gap shrinks to about $3k/year. Here's the full math.
Total Compensation vs. Salary: What Is Your Job Actually Worth?
Base salary is often 60–80% of your total compensation. RSUs, bonus, healthcare, and 401k match can add $20,000–$50,000 or more — here's how to calculate your real number.
$20 an Hour After Taxes: Exact Take-Home Pay in Every State (2026)
$20/hour is $41,600/year gross. After federal taxes and FICA, you keep about $33,000–$35,000 in a no-tax state — or as little as $29,500 in California.
How Is Overtime Pay Taxed? (The Marginal Rate Myth, Again)
Overtime is taxed at your marginal rate — not a special 'overtime rate.' You keep more than you think. Plus: the 2026 OBBBA overtime exclusion up to $12,500.
Hourly vs. Salary: Which Actually Pays More? (Full Comparison)
Salary jobs look better on paper, but hourly workers can out-earn salaried peers through overtime. The FLSA threshold, benefits gap, and the real hourly rate of salaried jobs — all compared.
Minimum Wage by State 2026: All 50 States + Take-Home Pay at Each Rate
State minimum wages range from $7.25 (federal floor) to $17.50+ in 2026. See the full table of all 50 states plus after-tax take-home pay at each state's minimum.
Side Hustle Taxes: SE Tax, Quarterly Payments, and How to Keep More
Side hustle income is taxed at 15.3% self-employment tax plus income tax. The real rate is lower than it looks — but you must pay quarterly estimated taxes or face penalties.
Calculate your take-home pay
All 50 states, 2026 tax brackets. See monthly, bi-weekly, and hourly results.
Open the salary calculator →