Washington Paycheck Calculator

Five lines typically come out of a Washington paycheck: federal income tax, Social Security (6.2% up to $184,500), Medicare (1.45%), Paid Family and Medical Leave, and WA Cares. Washington has no state or local income tax on wages, and the state's 7% capital gains excise tax never applies to salary. Beyond those five lines, the rest of your stub is your own elections such as 401(k) contributions and health premiums.

PFML costs 1.13% of gross wages in 2026, up from 0.92% in 2025. Employees pay 71.43% of the premium, which is 0.8071% of wages, on wages up to the $184,500 Social Security cap; tips are excluded. Employers with fewer than 50 employees skip the employer share, and the employee share still comes out. WA Cares costs 0.58% of all wages with no cap, unchanged since July 2023. Exemptions exist for workers who opted out with private coverage, some veterans, military spouses, non-immigrant visa holders, and out-of-state residents.

Bonuses have no Washington state income tax line; the 22% federal flat rate, FICA, and the two state premiums apply as they do on regular wages. Washington has no reciprocity agreements because it has no income tax to reciprocate. Workers' compensation (L&I) includes a small employee-paid portion set by hourly rate and risk class; it varies by job, so this calculator leaves it out.