Kentucky paycheck calculator
What you'll take home in Kentucky after federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare and a flat 3.5% state income tax.
Take-home pay in Kentucky at common wages
| Pay | Gross per check | Federal | Social Security + Medicare | Kentucky tax | Take-home per check | Take-home per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12/hour | $960.00 | $34.08 | $73.44 | $29.08 | $823.41 | $21,409 |
| $15/hour | $1,200.00 | $60.15 | $91.80 | $37.48 | $1,010.57 | $26,275 |
| $18/hour | $1,440.00 | $88.95 | $110.16 | $45.88 | $1,195.01 | $31,070 |
| $20/hour | $1,600.00 | $108.15 | $122.40 | $51.48 | $1,317.97 | $34,267 |
| $25/hour | $2,000.00 | $156.15 | $153.00 | $65.48 | $1,625.37 | $42,260 |
| $30/hour | $2,400.00 | $204.15 | $183.60 | $79.48 | $1,932.77 | $50,252 |
| $35,000/year | $1,346.15 | $77.69 | $102.98 | $42.59 | $1,122.89 | $29,195 |
| $50,000/year | $1,923.08 | $146.92 | $147.12 | $62.78 | $1,566.25 | $40,723 |
| $75,000/year | $2,884.62 | $295.00 | $220.67 | $96.44 | $2,272.50 | $59,085 |
Single filer, no dependents, paid every two weeks, 40 hours a week, no overtime or pre-tax benefits, W-4 Step 2 unchecked.
How Kentucky taxes your paycheck
Kentucky taxes wages at a flat 3.5%. Deductions and exemptions come off first:
- Standard deduction: $3,360 single, $3,360 married filing jointly.
Local taxes
Many Kentucky cities and counties charge an occupational tax, often 1% to 2.5%. You can enter your exact local rate in the calculator.
Federal taxes on every paycheck
Federal income tax is withheld using the IRS percentage method in Publication 15-T for 2026, based on your W-4. Social Security takes 6.2% of wages up to $184,500 a year, and Medicare takes 1.45%, plus 0.9% on wages over $200,000. These are the same in every state.
Questions
Does Kentucky have a state income tax?
Yes. Kentucky's 2026 rate is flat 3.5%, applied after the deductions listed above.
How much is $15 an hour after taxes in Kentucky?
About $1,011 every two weeks, or $26,275 a year, for a single worker with no pre-tax benefits working 40 hours a week.
How much is $20 an hour after taxes in Kentucky?
About $1,318 every two weeks, or $34,267 a year, under the same assumptions.
Why is my real paycheck different?
Health insurance, retirement savings, your W-4 answers, overtime, tips and local taxes all change your paycheck. Enter yours in the full calculator for an exact estimate.
Keep going
Sources
- IRS Publication 15-T (2026) · Federal income tax withholding
- Tax Foundation · 2026 state income tax rates and deductions
These are estimates for planning, not tax advice. Your employer's payroll system, local taxes and benefits can change the exact amount. Leftover Planner is not affiliated with the IRS or any state agency.