1. What is Net Hourly Pay?

Net hourly pay is the amount you actually take home after deductions like federal taxes and FICA (Social Security and Medicare) are subtracted from your gross hourly wage. In Washington state, there is no state income tax, so these are typically the main deductions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• Gross Hourly — Your hourly wage before any deductions
• Federal Tax — Estimated federal income tax withheld per hour
• FICA — Social Security and Medicare taxes (7.65% of gross pay)

3. Washington State Tax Considerations

Details: Washington is one of few states with no state income tax. However, workers still pay federal income tax and FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your gross hourly wage, estimated federal tax per hour, and FICA amount. For accurate results, use paycheck stubs or tax withholding calculators to estimate your federal tax rate.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why doesn't Washington have state income tax?
A: Washington funds government primarily through sales tax, property tax, and business taxes rather than personal income tax.

Q2: How do I estimate my federal tax per hour?
A: Use IRS withholding calculators or divide your biweekly federal tax withholding by the number of hours worked in that period.

Q3: Is FICA always 7.65%?
A: For most employees, yes (6.2% Social Security + 1.45% Medicare). High earners may pay additional Medicare tax.

Q4: Are there other deductions I should consider?
A: This calculator focuses on mandatory deductions. You may also have voluntary deductions like health insurance or retirement contributions.

Q5: How accurate is this calculator?
A: It provides a basic estimate. For precise calculations, consult a tax professional or payroll specialist.