Wondering how much of your paycheck you’ll actually take home in North Carolina? Our North Carolina Paycheck Calculator gives you instant results.
Enter your gross income and deductions to see a full breakdown of Federal Income Tax, Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), and North Carolina State Tax (4.25%), along with pre-tax and post-tax contributions.
Paycheck Breakdown
How the North Carolina Paycheck Calculator Works
This calculator uses the latest 2025 tax rates to show your net pay. It accounts for:
- Gross Income – Your pay before taxes.
- Federal Income Tax – Based on IRS tax brackets and filing status.
- Social Security Tax (6.2%) – Applied up to the yearly wage cap.
- Medicare Tax (1.45%) – With no cap; higher incomes pay an extra 0.9%.
- North Carolina State Tax (4.25%) – Flat rate applied to taxable income.
- Pre-Tax Deductions – Health insurance, retirement contributions, etc.
- Post-Tax Deductions – Items taken after taxes, such as union dues.
Why Use a Paycheck Calculator in North Carolina?
- Estimate your real take-home pay before accepting a new job.
- Budget smarter by knowing what actually hits your bank account.
- Adjust your withholding allowances to avoid surprises at tax time.
- See how benefits and deductions affect your paycheck.
Example Calculation (Monthly Salary $4,583.33 = $55,000 Annual)
- Gross Pay: $4,583.33
- Federal Income Tax: ~$538.46
- Social Security: $284.17
- Medicare: $66.46
- NC State Tax (4.25%): $194.79
- Net Pay (Take-Home): ~$3,499.45
(This is an example. Actual results depend on your filing status and deductions.)
FAQs – North Carolina Paycheck Calculator
What is the North Carolina state income tax rate for 2025?
North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.25% in 2025, applied to all taxable income regardless of income level.
Does North Carolina have local income taxes?
No. Unlike some other states, North Carolina does not levy local or city income taxes. Only the state tax rate of 4.25% applies.
How much are Social Security and Medicare taxes in North Carolina?
Social Security is taxed at 6.2% (up to the federal wage base limit), and Medicare is 1.45% on all wages, with an additional 0.9% Medicare tax for high earners.
How often do employees get paid in North Carolina?
Pay frequency depends on the employer. Most companies in North Carolina pay biweekly or monthly, but state law allows flexibility as long as employees are informed.
What is the minimum wage in North Carolina in 2025?
North Carolina follows the federal minimum wage, which is $7.25 per hour in 2025.
Can this calculator estimate take-home pay for hourly workers in NC?
Yes. By entering your hourly rate and hours worked, the calculator can estimate your paycheck just like for salaried income.
Why is my North Carolina paycheck smaller than expected?
Common reasons include federal tax withholding, state tax (4.25%), Social Security, Medicare, and deductions for benefits like health insurance or retirement plans.
Related Tools & Calculators: