Maryland Paycheck Calculator 2026 - Calculate Your MD Salary After Taxes

Calculate Your Maryland Salary After Taxes for 2026

If you're working in Maryland or considering a job offer in the Old Line State, understanding your Maryland salary after taxes for the 2026 tax year is crucial for financial planning. Maryland uses a progressive income tax system in 2026, with rates ranging from 2% for lower-income earners up to 5.75% for the highest earners. Additionally, Maryland has local income taxes at the county and city level, which can add 1.5% to 3.2% to your tax burden depending on where you work or live. This means calculating your Maryland paycheck is more complex than states without local taxes, but the progressive system is designed to be more equitable for lower-income workers.

For example, a healthcare worker earning $96,000 in Baltimore will see their Maryland salary after taxes reduced by approximately $5,000-$6,000 in state taxes (progressive rates), plus 3.2% in Baltimore city/county local taxes (approximately $3,000), plus federal taxes and FICA. A teacher earning $72,000 in Annapolis (Anne Arundel County) will pay around $3,700-$4,400 in Maryland state taxes, plus approximately 2.81% in local taxes (approximately $2,000). A federal employee earning $89,000 in Frederick will pay approximately $4,600-$5,500 in Maryland state taxes, plus approximately 2.96% in local taxes (approximately $2,600). The combination of progressive state tax and local taxes means Maryland workers face higher overall tax burdens than many other states, especially in high-tax jurisdictions like Baltimore.

Our Maryland paycheck calculator for 2026 helps you determine your exact Maryland salary after taxes. Because we maintain federal, FICA, and Maryland withholding tables for every filing status and income bracket using the latest 2026 tax rates, the calculator instantly shows both per-paycheck and annual net pay. Toggle between salary and hourly pay, include pre-tax deductions such as 401(k), HSA, or health insurance, and watch the tool recompute your Maryland take-home pay immediately with accurate 2026 calculations. Note that local taxes vary by county and city, so you'll need to check your pay stub and add them as post-tax deductions if needed.

How to Calculate Your Maryland Salary After Taxes for 2026

Using our Maryland paycheck calculator for 2026 is straightforward, though Maryland's combination of progressive state tax and local taxes requires attention to detail. Follow these steps to determine your Maryland salary after taxes using the latest 2026 tax rates:

1. Enter your income: Select salary or hourly pay and enter your gross income. For example, if you earn $94,000 per year or $47 per hour in Maryland for 2026, enter that amount.
2. Select Maryland: Choose Maryland as your state (using ?state=MD in the URL fills it in automatically). This ensures the progressive tax rates for 2026 are applied correctly based on your income level.
3. Add your details: Pick your pay frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, or monthly) and filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), then add any 401(k), HSA, or health insurance deductions.
4. Account for local taxes: Check your pay stub or contact your employer to determine your local income tax rate (county and/or city). Add this as a post-tax deduction in the calculator, as local taxes vary by jurisdiction in Maryland.
5. Get your results: Click "Calculate My Paycheck" and review the detailed breakdown showing your Maryland salary after taxes for 2026, including federal income tax, Maryland state tax (progressive rates), local taxes (if added), FICA taxes, and your final take-home pay.

The Maryland paycheck calculator for 2026 is especially useful for comparing job offers in different Maryland jurisdictions, planning your budget in Baltimore, Annapolis, or Frederick, or understanding how pre-tax deductions affect your Maryland salary after taxes. Maryland's progressive tax means state tax calculations vary based on income level, and local taxes add additional complexity, making accurate calculations important for financial planning.

Understanding Maryland's Progressive Tax System and Local Taxes for 2026

Maryland uses a progressive income tax system in 2026, meaning different portions of your income are taxed at different rates. The tax brackets range from 2% for lower-income earners up to 5.75% for the highest earners. This system is designed to be more equitable than flat taxes, as lower-income workers pay a smaller percentage of their income in state taxes, while higher earners contribute more proportionally. However, Maryland also has local income taxes at the county and city level, which adds significant complexity and cost to your Maryland paycheck.

The progressive structure means that someone earning $40,000 might pay an effective rate of around 2.5-3% on their Maryland state taxes, while someone earning $140,000 might pay an effective rate closer to 5-5.5%. The first portion of income is taxed at 2%, with higher brackets applying only to income above those thresholds. However, local taxes apply to all income, typically ranging from 1.5% to 3.2% depending on your jurisdiction. For example, Baltimore city/county has a combined local rate of 3.2%, while some counties have rates as low as 1.5-2%.

This combination of progressive state tax and local taxes makes Maryland's overall tax burden higher than many other states. Lower earners pay lower effective state rates but still face local taxes, while higher earners pay higher state rates plus local taxes, resulting in significant tax burdens. The system is designed to provide revenue for essential state and local services, but it significantly impacts your Maryland salary after taxes compared to states without local income taxes.

Maryland Local Taxes and Your Salary After Taxes

When calculating your Maryland salary after taxes for 2026, it's crucial to understand that Maryland has local income taxes at both the county and city level. These local taxes are in addition to the progressive state tax and can significantly impact your take-home pay. Local tax rates vary by jurisdiction:

• Baltimore City/Baltimore County: 3.2% combined (highest in the state)
• Anne Arundel County: 2.81%
• Montgomery County: 3.2%
• Prince George's County: 3.2%
• Frederick County: 2.96%
• Howard County: 3.2%
• Carroll County: 3.05%
• Some rural counties: 1.5-2.5% (lower rates)

These local taxes apply to all taxable income, not just income above certain thresholds, which means they have a significant impact on your Maryland salary after taxes. For someone earning $90,000 in Baltimore, local taxes add approximately $2,880 per year. The same income in a county with 2% local tax would result in approximately $1,800 in local taxes—a difference of over $1,000 per year just from local taxes alone.

When using the Maryland paycheck calculator for 2026, you'll need to check your pay stub to determine your exact local tax rate, then add it as a post-tax deduction in the calculator. This makes Maryland's tax system more complex than states without local taxes, and it's important to factor local taxes into your financial planning when evaluating job offers in different Maryland jurisdictions.

Example: Maryland Salary After Taxes Calculation for 2026

Let's calculate the Maryland salary after taxes for someone earning $93,000 per year in Baltimore (3.2% local tax) for 2026, filing as married filing jointly, with a 5% 401(k) contribution:

• Gross annual salary: $93,000
• 401(k) contribution (5%): $4,650 (pre-tax)
• Federal taxable income: ~$60,650 (after federal standard deduction)
• Maryland taxable income: ~$87,550 (after Maryland standard deduction)
• Federal income tax: ~$6,800
• FICA taxes (Social Security + Medicare): $6,755
• Maryland state tax (progressive): ~$4,600
• Baltimore local tax (3.2%): ~$2,800
• Maryland salary after taxes (annual): $67,395
• Bi-weekly Maryland paycheck: ~$2,592

This example demonstrates how the Maryland paycheck calculator for 2026 works with progressive tax rates and local taxes. The effective Maryland state tax rate in this example is approximately 5.1%, which is lower than the top marginal rate of 5.75% because the first portions of income are taxed at lower rates. However, when you add the 3.2% local tax, the total state and local tax burden is approximately 8.3%, which significantly impacts your Maryland salary after taxes. The 401(k) contribution reduces both federal and Maryland taxable income, providing tax savings while building retirement savings, and with Maryland's progressive rates plus local taxes, pre-tax contributions are particularly valuable for reducing the tax burden.

Multiple Salary Examples: Maryland Take-Home Pay for 2026

Understanding how different salary levels and jurisdictions affect your Maryland take-home pay for 2026 helps with financial planning:

Entry-Level ($53,000 salary, Baltimore, single filer, 3% 401(k)): After 401(k) contribution ($1,590), federal taxes (~$4,300), FICA (~$4,055), Maryland state tax (~$2,200), and Baltimore local tax (~$1,650), annual take-home pay is approximately $39,205, or $1,508 per bi-weekly paycheck.

Mid-Career ($79,000 salary, Anne Arundel County, married filing jointly, 5% 401(k)): After 401(k) contribution ($3,950), federal taxes (~$6,500), FICA (~$6,043), Maryland state tax (~$3,900), and Anne Arundel local tax (~$2,100), annual take-home pay is approximately $56,507, or $2,173 per bi-weekly paycheck.

Senior Level ($107,000 salary, Montgomery County, married filing jointly, 7% 401(k)): After 401(k) contribution ($7,490), federal taxes (~$12,000), FICA (~$7,678), Maryland state tax (~$5,300), and Montgomery County local tax (~$3,200), annual take-home pay is approximately $71,332, or $2,744 per bi-weekly paycheck.

High Earner ($141,000 salary, Baltimore, single filer, 10% 401(k)): After 401(k) contribution ($14,100), federal taxes (~$24,000), FICA (~$9,731), Maryland state tax (~$7,100), and Baltimore local tax (~$4,100), annual take-home pay is approximately $81,969, or $3,153 per bi-weekly paycheck.

Comparing Maryland to Neighboring States for 2026

Understanding how Maryland compares to nearby states helps when evaluating job offers or considering relocation in 2026:

Maryland vs. Virginia: Virginia has progressive tax rates up to 5.75% but no local income taxes. Someone earning $95,000 in Baltimore (3.2% local) takes home approximately $67,400, compared to about $69,000-$69,500 in Virginia—a difference of $1,600-$2,100 per year, making Virginia more favorable.

Maryland vs. Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania has a flat 3.07% state tax plus local taxes (often 1-3%). Someone earning $95,000 in Baltimore takes home approximately $67,400, compared to about $66,500-$67,000 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (with local taxes)—a difference of $400-$900 per year, making Maryland slightly less favorable in high-tax jurisdictions.

Maryland vs. Delaware: Delaware has progressive tax rates up to 6.6% but no local income taxes. Someone earning $95,000 in Baltimore takes home approximately $67,400, compared to about $68,500-$69,000 in Delaware—a difference of $1,100-$1,600 per year, making Delaware more favorable.

Maryland vs. West Virginia: West Virginia has progressive tax rates up to 6.5% but no local income taxes. Someone earning $95,000 in Baltimore takes home approximately $67,400, compared to about $68,000-$68,500 in West Virginia—a difference of $600-$1,100 per year, making West Virginia slightly more favorable.

Maryland vs. Washington D.C.: D.C. has progressive tax rates up to 10.75%. Someone earning $95,000 in Baltimore takes home approximately $67,400, compared to about $65,500-$66,000 in D.C.—a difference of $1,400-$1,900 per year, making Maryland more favorable.

Maryland-Specific Industries and 2026 Considerations

Maryland's economy is diverse, with several major industries that are impacted by the progressive tax system and local taxes:

Federal Government: Maryland has a significant federal government presence, particularly in the Washington D.C. metro area. Federal employees can use the 2026 paycheck calculator to plan their finances and understand how Maryland's progressive rates plus local taxes affect their take-home pay, especially if they're comparing offers in different Maryland jurisdictions.

Healthcare and Biotechnology: Maryland's healthcare and biotechnology sectors, including major hospitals in Baltimore and research institutions in Montgomery County, provide employment opportunities. Healthcare workers can use the 2026 paycheck calculator to compare job offers and understand the impact of Maryland's progressive rates plus local taxes.

Technology: Maryland has a growing technology sector, particularly in the D.C. metro area. Tech workers can use the 2026 paycheck calculator to compare job offers and understand how Maryland's progressive rates plus local taxes affect their take-home pay, especially when comparing to nearby states like Virginia.

Education: Maryland's education sector, including major universities like Johns Hopkins in Baltimore and the University of Maryland in College Park, provides employment opportunities. Education workers can use the 2026 paycheck calculator to plan their finances and compare job offers in different Maryland jurisdictions.

Defense and Aerospace: Maryland has a significant defense and aerospace industry, particularly in the Baltimore area and near D.C. Workers in these industries can use the 2026 paycheck calculator to plan their finances and understand the impact of Maryland's progressive rates plus local taxes.

2026 Planning Tips for Maryland Employees

• Update your W-4 for 2026: If you want to adjust your Maryland salary after taxes, update your W-4 if you picked up a second job, got married, or expect significant itemized deductions in 2026. Maryland uses federal withholding, so your W-4 directly affects your state withholding as well.
• Maximize pre-tax benefits: Leverage pre-tax benefits—every dollar you contribute to a 401(k) or HSA reduces both federal and Maryland taxable income (and local tax base), potentially moving you into a lower tax bracket and increasing your take-home pay. With Maryland's progressive rates plus local taxes, reducing taxable income can provide significant savings.
• Track Social Security wage base: Track your year-to-date taxable wages. Once you hit the Social Security wage base ($168,600 in 2025, adjusted for inflation in 2026), your Maryland salary after taxes will increase because OASDI withholding stops for the rest of the year.
• Consider local tax differences: Remember that Maryland's local taxes vary significantly by jurisdiction. A job in Baltimore (3.2% local tax) will result in lower take-home pay than a job in a lower-tax county (1.5-2%), even with the same salary. Factor local taxes into your job search and financial planning for 2026.
• Research location-specific costs: Cost of living varies between Baltimore, Annapolis, Frederick, Montgomery County, and smaller Maryland communities. Research housing, utilities, and transportation costs in your specific Maryland location when evaluating job offers for 2026, as Baltimore's cost of living is different from suburban areas.
• Understand bracket thresholds: With Maryland's progressive tax system, understanding where tax brackets change can help you make informed decisions about income timing, bonuses, or retirement contributions for 2026 tax planning, potentially saving hundreds of dollars by staying in lower brackets.
• Consider neighboring states: Given Maryland's local income taxes, workers near state borders (especially with Virginia, which has no local income taxes) may want to consider living or working across state lines to reduce tax burden for 2026, though this requires careful consideration of commuting costs and other factors.
• Account for local taxes in comparisons: When comparing job offers, make sure to account for local tax differences in Maryland. A $90,000 job in Baltimore (3.2% local) results in lower take-home pay than the same salary in a lower-tax county (1.5-2%), so factor this into your decision-making for 2026.

Maryland Tax Changes and Updates for 2026

Maryland uses a progressive income tax system with rates from 2% to 5.75% in 2026. The tax brackets apply to different portions of your taxable income, so your effective rate is lower than your top marginal rate. Maryland has its own standard deduction ($2,400 for single filers and $4,850 for married couples filing jointly in 2026), which is lower than the federal standard deduction, providing additional tax benefits for lower-income earners.

Local income tax rates can change annually, so it's important to check your current jurisdiction's rate for 2026. When using the Maryland paycheck calculator for 2026, all calculations reflect the latest state tax changes, but you'll need to verify local tax rates for your specific jurisdiction. Maryland's progressive tax system combined with local taxes makes the overall tax burden higher than many other states, but staying informed about tax changes is important for long-term financial planning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Salary After Taxes for 2026