Use our Wisconsin Paycheck Calculator to quickly figure out how much you’ll take home after taxes. Just enter your salary, pay frequency, and deductions to see a detailed breakdown of your gross pay, taxes, and net pay in seconds.
How Your Wisconsin Paycheck is Calculated
Your take-home pay depends on your gross income and the total taxes withheld from it. The general formula is:
Gross Pay – (Federal Taxes + State Taxes + Local Taxes + FICA) = Net Pay
Here’s what each component means:
- Gross Pay: Your total earnings before any deductions, including salary, hourly wages, overtime, and bonuses.
- Federal Income Tax: Withholding based on IRS tax brackets and your W-4 form details.
- FICA Taxes: Federal Insurance Contributions Act taxes for Social Security and Medicare.
- State Income Tax: Taxes paid to Wisconsin based on the state’s progressive tax rates.
- Local Taxes: Some counties or cities may have additional taxes, though these are limited in Wisconsin.
A Guide to Wisconsin State Payroll Taxes
Wisconsin State Income Tax
Wisconsin uses a progressive state income tax structure with multiple tax brackets. Below are the 2025 income tax rates for Wisconsin:
| Taxable Income (Single Filers) | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to $14,320 | 3.50% |
| $14,321 – $28,640 | 4.40% |
| $28,641 – $315,310 | 5.30% |
| Over $315,310 | 7.65% |
The state also offers standard deductions based on income level and filing status. For 2025, the maximum standard deduction for single filers is $13,260 and gradually phases out as income increases. Wisconsin does not have personal exemptions.
State-Specific Programs & Withholdings
Wisconsin does not collect state disability insurance (SDI) taxes from employees. However, employers must pay state unemployment insurance (SUI), which may indirectly affect compensation structures. Employees are not required to contribute to unemployment insurance.
The state also operates the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) for public employees, which includes mandatory contributions shared between employers and employees.
Understanding Federal & FICA Taxes
Federal and FICA taxes apply to all U.S. employees, including those in Wisconsin. These taxes fund federal government operations and social programs like Social Security and Medicare.
For 2025:
- Social Security tax rate: 6.2% on wages up to $168,600
- Medicare tax rate: 1.45% on all wages (plus an additional 0.9% on income over $200,000 for single filers)
Your employer matches these contributions for Social Security and Medicare.
Local Taxes in Wisconsin
Most areas in Wisconsin do not levy local income taxes. However, certain school districts and municipalities may have small additional taxes depending on local funding needs. Cities like Milwaukee, Madison, and Kenosha follow state-level tax rules without separate local income tax rates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Wisconsin Paychecks
What is the minimum wage in Wisconsin?
The minimum wage in Wisconsin is $7.25 per hour, which matches the federal minimum wage. Some employers, especially in cities like Madison and Milwaukee, may offer higher starting wages.
How often are paydays in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin law requires employees to be paid at least once per month. Many employers pay bi-weekly or semi-monthly to align with payroll cycles.
What is the Wisconsin state tax rate for 2025?
Wisconsin uses a progressive tax system with rates ranging from 3.5% to 7.65% for 2025. The rate you pay depends on your income and filing status.
Are 1099 contractors subject to Wisconsin taxes?
Yes, independent contractors are responsible for paying Wisconsin state income taxes directly through estimated quarterly payments, since taxes are not withheld from their pay.
What are the overtime laws in Wisconsin?
Employees in Wisconsin earn overtime pay at 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek, following federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) rules.
Disclaimer
This Wisconsin Paycheck Calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual paycheck amounts may vary based on changes to tax rates, personal withholdings, and other deductions. Always consult a tax professional or financial advisor for personalized advice.
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