💼 Salary Calculator

A salary is a fixed annual amount paid regardless of hours worked, typically to exempt employees. A wage is paid per hour actually worked, typically to non-exempt employees who qualify for overtime. Salaried workers usually have more predictable income, while hourly workers may earn more during high-demand periods through overtime.

Research market rates for your role, level, and location using sources like Bureau of Labor Statistics, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn Salary. Come prepared with specific accomplishments and their business impact. Give a range rather than a single number, anchored above your true minimum. Negotiate the total package — bonus, equity, benefits, and PTO all have cash value.

Gross pay is your total earnings before any deductions. Net pay (take-home pay) is what remains after taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and any voluntary deductions (401k, health insurance, etc.) are subtracted. Your W-2 and payslips should always show both figures.

It depends on your pay schedule: Weekly = 52 periods, Bi-weekly = 26, Semi-monthly = 24, Monthly = 12. Note that bi-weekly and semi-monthly are often confused — bi-weekly means every two weeks (26 pays/year), while semi-monthly means twice per month (24 pays/year).

For single filers in 2024: 10% on income $0–$11,600; 12% on $11,601–$47,150; 22% on $47,151–$100,525; 24% on $100,526–$191,950; 32% on $191,951–$243,725; 35% on $243,726–$609,350; 37% above $609,350. These are marginal rates — you only pay the higher rate on income above each threshold.