North Carolina paycheck calculator
What you'll take home in North Carolina after federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare and a flat 3.99% state income tax.
Take-home pay in North Carolina at common wages
| Pay | Gross per check | Federal | Social Security + Medicare | North Carolina tax | Take-home per check | Take-home per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12/hour | $960.00 | $34.08 | $73.44 | $18.74 | $833.75 | $21,677 |
| $15/hour | $1,200.00 | $60.15 | $91.80 | $28.31 | $1,019.73 | $26,513 |
| $18/hour | $1,440.00 | $88.95 | $110.16 | $37.89 | $1,203.00 | $31,278 |
| $20/hour | $1,600.00 | $108.15 | $122.40 | $44.27 | $1,325.17 | $34,454 |
| $25/hour | $2,000.00 | $156.15 | $153.00 | $60.23 | $1,630.61 | $42,396 |
| $30/hour | $2,400.00 | $204.15 | $183.60 | $76.19 | $1,936.05 | $50,337 |
| $35,000/year | $1,346.15 | $77.69 | $102.98 | $34.15 | $1,131.34 | $29,415 |
| $50,000/year | $1,923.08 | $146.92 | $147.12 | $57.16 | $1,571.87 | $40,869 |
| $75,000/year | $2,884.62 | $295.00 | $220.67 | $95.53 | $2,273.41 | $59,109 |
Single filer, no dependents, paid every two weeks, 40 hours a week, no overtime or pre-tax benefits, W-4 Step 2 unchecked.
How North Carolina taxes your paycheck
North Carolina taxes wages at a flat 3.99%. Deductions and exemptions come off first:
- Standard deduction: $12,750 single, $25,500 married filing jointly.
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 North Carolina have a state income tax?
Yes. North Carolina's 2026 rate is flat 3.99%, applied after the deductions listed above.
How much is $15 an hour after taxes in North Carolina?
About $1,020 every two weeks, or $26,513 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 North Carolina?
About $1,325 every two weeks, or $34,454 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.