Pennsylvania Paycheck Calculator 2026
Understanding your paycheck after taxes in PA requires looking at three distinct layers. While Pennsylvania offers a competitive flat state tax of 3.07%, the Keystone State also has a robust system of local municipal and school district taxes that vary significantly by zip code.
Use our interactive Pennsylvania paycheck calculator below to instantly determine your per-paycheck and annual net pay after federal withholdings, state taxes, and FICA deductions.
Calculate Your PA Take-Home Pay
How PA Paycheck Taxes Work
Pennsylvania is a "flat tax" state, meaning everyone pays the same percentage regardless of income level. However, because Pennsylvania lacks a state-level standard deduction for its income tax, nearly every dollar you earn is subject to that 3.07% rate.
| Tax Feature | 2026 Rate / Status |
|---|---|
| State Income Tax Rate | 3.07% (Flat Rate) |
| Local Earned Income Tax (EIT) | Varies by municipality (Typically 1% to 3.87%) |
| PA Unemployment Tax (Employee) | 0.07% (Withheld from gross wages) |
| State Standard Deduction | None (PA does not have a standard deduction) |
| State Sales Tax | 6.00% (7% in Allegheny County; 8% in Philadelphia) |
Common Local Tax Rates in PA (2026)
Local taxes are a major factor in your paycheck after taxes in PA. Here are the rates for major employment hubs:
- Philadelphia: ~3.75% for residents (Wage Tax)
- Pittsburgh: 3.00% (Combined City and School District)
- Scranton: 3.40%
- Reading: 3.60%
- Most Townships: 1.00% (Common EIT rate)
Example: PA Salary After Taxes Calculation
Let's look at a worker earning $75,000 per year living in a standard township with a 1% local tax (filing single, with a 5% pre-tax 401(k) contribution):
- Gross annual salary: $75,000
- 401(k) contribution (5% pre-tax): -$3,750
- Federal income tax: ~$7,000
- FICA taxes (Social Security + Medicare): $5,737
- PA State Tax (3.07%): $2,302
- Local EIT (1%): $750
- Annual net pay: $55,461
- Bi-weekly paycheck: ~$2,133
Comparing Pennsylvania to Neighboring States
If you are considering a move to or from PA, the tax differences are stark:
- PA vs. New Jersey: NJ has progressive rates up to 10.75%. Middle-class earners ($75k+) often find Pennsylvania’s flat 3.07% results in a higher net paycheck, even after local taxes.
- PA vs. New York: NY features progressive brackets and high local taxes in NYC. Pennsylvania is almost universally more tax-favorable than New York.
- PA vs. Delaware: Delaware uses progressive brackets up to 6.6%. For high-income earners, PA is usually the more affordable option.
2026 Planning Tips for Pennsylvania Employees
- Check Your PSD Code: Ensure your employer is withholding local tax for the correct municipality. Using the wrong Political Subdivision (PSD) code can lead to a surprise tax bill at the end of the year.
- Maximize Pre-Tax Retirement: Because PA has no standard deduction, reducing your "taxable gross" through 401(k) or 403(b) contributions is the most effective way to lower both your federal and local tax burden.
- Watch the Social Security Wage Base: High earners in PA will see a significant increase in their paycheck after taxes late in the year once they surpass the Social Security limit, as the 6.2% deduction stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does everyone in PA pay local income tax?
The vast majority of PA residents pay a local Earned Income Tax (EIT). If you live in an area with a 0% rate, you are in a rare minority. Most residents pay at least 1%.
What percentage of my salary goes to taxes in PA?
For a typical worker earning $60,000, the total effective tax rate (Federal, State, Local, and FICA) is usually between 22% and 28%.
Is the Philadelphia Wage Tax separate from the PA state tax?
Yes. If you work in Philadelphia, your employer will withhold both the 3.07% state tax and the Philadelphia Wage Tax (~3.75% for residents). These are two separate deductions.