Use our Washington Paycheck Calculator to quickly figure out how much you’ll take home after taxes. Just enter your salary, pay frequency, and deductions, and get a detailed breakdown of your gross pay, taxes, and net pay in seconds.
How Your Washington Paycheck is Calculated
Your paycheck in Washington starts with your gross earnings and subtracts mandatory federal taxes and other withholdings.
The general formula is:
Gross Pay – (Federal Taxes + State Taxes + Local Taxes + FICA) = Net Pay
Key terms to know:
- Gross Pay: The total amount you earn before any taxes or deductions.
- Federal Income Tax: A federal tax withheld from your paycheck based on income, filing status, and allowances.
- FICA Taxes: These include Social Security and Medicare contributions.
- State Income Tax: Washington does not have a personal state income tax.
- Local Taxes: Some cities may have specific payroll-related taxes, but not personal income taxes.
A Guide to Washington State Payroll Taxes
Washington State Income Tax
Washington is one of the few states with no personal income tax. This means your paycheck will not have any state income tax withheld. Employees in Washington benefit from keeping a larger portion of their gross income compared to workers in states with income taxes.
| Tax Type | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| State Income Tax | None |
Even though Washington has no personal income tax, the state generates revenue through other taxes, including sales, property, and business taxes.
State-Specific Programs and Withholdings
While Washington does not withhold a state income tax, there are a few state-specific programs that affect paychecks:
- Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML): Employees contribute a small percentage of their wages to fund paid family and medical leave. For 2025, the total premium rate is 0.74% of gross wages, shared between the employee and employer.
- Workers’ Compensation: Washington requires workers’ compensation coverage. Premiums are generally shared between employees and employers, though amounts vary by job classification.
- Unemployment Insurance (UI): Only employers pay into this program; employees are not charged.
Understanding Federal and FICA Taxes
Federal and FICA taxes apply across all states, including Washington. These deductions fund Social Security, Medicare, and federal government programs.
- Social Security Tax: 6.2% of your wages, up to $168,600 in 2025.
- Medicare Tax: 1.45% of all wages, with an extra 0.9% Medicare surtax on income over $200,000 for single filers or $250,000 for joint filers.
Your federal income tax rate depends on your taxable income, filing status, and withholding elections on your W-4 form.
Local Taxes in Washington
Washington does not impose local or city income taxes. However, certain cities and counties, such as Seattle and Tacoma, may levy payroll-related business taxes on employers. These do not reduce employee paychecks directly but may affect overall business costs in those areas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Washington Paychecks
What is the minimum wage in Washington?
As of 2025, the minimum wage in Washington is $16.28 per hour. Some cities, such as Seattle, have higher local minimum wages depending on employer size and benefits offered.
How often are paydays in Washington?
Washington employers typically pay workers on a semi-monthly or biweekly basis. State law requires employers to establish regular pay periods and pay employees at least once per month.
What is the Washington state tax rate for 2025?
Washington does not have a state income tax for individuals, so the tax rate is 0%. However, residents still pay federal income and FICA taxes.
Are 1099 contractors subject to Washington taxes?
Independent contractors in Washington are not subject to state income tax. However, they are responsible for paying federal income tax and self-employment taxes, which cover both the employer and employee portions of Social Security and Medicare.
What are the overtime laws in Washington?
Washington’s overtime law requires most employees to receive 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Some exemptions apply based on job duties and salary level.
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