What this calculator does
The Chicago paycheck calculator estimates how much of your salary reaches your bank account after federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare and Illinois' flat 4.95% tax. It is built for people comparing a job offer, planning a budget after a raise, or checking whether their withholding looks right. It uses the 2026 federal brackets and standard deduction published by the IRS and the current Illinois rules stored in the site's Illinois tax engine.
Illinois taxes all income at a flat 4.95% after a personal exemption of $2,925 per person for 2026 (lost above $250,000 of income, or $500,000 for joint filers). Chicago itself has no income tax, so a Chicago paycheck carries federal tax, FICA and the state's flat tax.
How to use it
- Enter your annual salary before any deductions.
- Pick how often you are paid — weekly, every two weeks, twice a month or monthly.
- Choose your filing status. Married couples filing jointly get wider tax brackets and a larger standard deduction.
- Add your 401(k) percentage and any pre-tax health premium per paycheck; both reduce taxable income.
- Read the result, the breakdown table and the Reasoning box, then change one input at a time to see what moves the number.
The formula, in plain English
Take-home pay = gross pay − pre-tax deductions − federal income tax − FICA − state and local taxes. Federal income tax is figured on salary minus 401(k) and health deductions minus the 2026 standard deduction ($16,100 single, $32,200 joint, $24,150 head of household), run through the seven federal brackets. Social Security is 6.2% of wages up to $184,500 and Medicare is 1.45% of all wages, plus 0.9% above $200,000 for single filers. Health premiums paid through a cafeteria plan skip FICA; 401(k) contributions do not.
Worked example for Chicago
A single filer earning $78,000, paid every two weeks, saving 5% in a 401(k) and paying $90 per paycheck for health coverage:
| Item | Per year | Per paycheck |
|---|---|---|
| Gross pay | $78,000 | $3,000 |
| 401(k) / 403(b) (pre-tax) | -$3,900 | -$150 |
| Health, dental, vision (pre-tax) | -$2,340 | -$90 |
| Federal income tax | -$6,957 | -$268 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$4,691 | -$180 |
| Medicare (1.45%+) | -$1,097 | -$42 |
| Illinois income tax (4.95%) | -$3,407 | -$131 |
| Take-home pay | $55,607 | $2,139 |
Estimated take-home pay per biweekly paycheck: $2,138.75. $55,607 a year after taxes and pre-tax deductions.
What affects take-home pay in Chicago
Illinois has no state disability or paid-leave payroll deduction for employees. Chicago's paid leave ordinance requires employers to provide paid leave, but it is funded by the employer, not a paycheck deduction.
Beyond taxes, the biggest levers are retirement savings and benefits. Raising a 401(k) contribution lowers federal, state income tax right away, so each dollar saved costs less than a dollar of take-home pay. In Chicago, the saving is larger because state tax is reduced too.
Common mistakes and tips
- Confusing salary with take-home pay when comparing offers across cities — compare net pay, not gross.
- Forgetting that bonuses are often withheld at a flat 22% federal rate, which can look like a higher tax than your real bracket.
- Assuming a raise pushes all income into a higher bracket. Only the dollars above each threshold are taxed at the higher rate.
- Checking withholding once a year: the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator can help you adjust your W-4 if you expect a big refund or bill.
- If you move to or from Chicago mid-year, you may file part-year returns in two states.
Frequently asked questions
How much is taken out of a paycheck in Chicago?
For a single filer earning $78,000 with typical 401(k) and health deductions, this calculator estimates take-home pay of $2,138.75 per biweekly paycheck. The exact share depends on salary, filing status and deductions.
Does this match my actual paycheck withholding?
It estimates your full-year tax, while employers withhold using IRS Publication 15-T tables and your W-4. The two are usually close, and any difference settles when you file your return.
Does Chicago have a city income tax?
No. Chicago residents pay the Illinois flat 4.95% tax and federal taxes only.
Why does my Illinois exemption disappear at higher incomes?
Illinois does not allow the personal exemption ($2,925 per person for 2026) when income exceeds $250,000, or $500,000 for joint filers.
Sources
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only and is not financial, tax, legal, real estate, or insurance advice. Consult a licensed professional before making decisions.