Free Nurse Paycheck Calculator

The salary calculator will help you automatically calculate your annual salary, weekly salary, and also the number of hours you work per week, the frequency of payments, the taxes of the different states where you are located, in addition to showing you the salary breakdown, it will also provide you with charts to access, all you need to do is to fill out the calculator below to get your answer.

All-in-One Paycheck Calculator

Annual Salary ($)

Hourly Wage ($) Hours per Week Used to calculate yearly salary if only hourly wage is given Pay Frequency How often you receive your paycheck State Used to apply state income tax (default flat rate per state) 401(k) Contribution (%) % of income contributed to retirement savings (optional) Monthly Insurance Deduction ($) Health, dental, or other deductions

How We Ensure Your Calculations Are Accurate at HnKey

Verified Data:In order to ensure that the accuracy of our calculations is our main priority, our team frequently checks the tax information, and policies of the IRS to review our calculations in a timely manner.

Regularly Updated:It is important to note that these data, not our guesses, come from official sources such as the IRS and state tax offices.

Disclaimer: This tool is for estimation purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalized financial guidance.

Understanding Your Nurse Paycheck: Taxes and Calculations

As a nurse, understanding how your paycheck is calculated is essential for financial planning. Your gross pay is only the starting point—various deductions, including federal and state taxes, Social Security, and Medicare, reduce the amount you take home. This guide explains the key components of a nurse’s paycheck, how taxes are calculated, and official resources to help you navigate the process.

Gross Pay for Nurses

Your gross pay is the total amount earned before deductions. For nurses, this typically includes your hourly wage or salary, overtime pay, shift differentials (e.g., night or weekend shifts), and bonuses. For example, a registered nurse (RN) earning $35 per hour working 40 hours per week would have a weekly gross pay of $1, often paid at times the regular rate, can significantly increase this amount.

Federal Income Tax

Federal income tax is withheld from your paycheck based on your earnings and the information provided on your Form W-4. The U.S. uses a progressive tax system, meaning higher earnings are taxed at higher rates. For 2025, tax brackets range from 10% to 37%, depending on income and filing status (e.g., single, married filing jointly). The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides detailed withholding tables to ensure accurate deductions. To estimate your federal tax, multiply your taxable income (gross pay minus deductions and exemptions) by the applicable tax rate.

State Income Tax

State income tax varies by state. Some states, like Florida and Texas, have no state income tax, while others, like California and New York, have rates ranging from 1% to over 10%. Your employer withholds state tax based on your residence and work location. Check your state’s revenue department website for specific rates and rules. For example, California’s Franchise Tax Board outlines tax brackets and withholding requirements.

Social Security and Medicare (FICA Taxes)

The Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) funds Social Security and Medicare. In 2025, Social Security tax is of your wages, up to a cap of $168,600, while Medicare tax is with no income limit. High earners (over $200,000 for single filers) may owe an additional Medicare surtax. These taxes are automatically withheld, and your employer matches the contribution. The Social Security Administration offers tools to estimate future benefits based on your contributions.

Other Deductions

Beyond taxes, your paycheck may reflect deductions for health insurance premiums, retirement plan contributions (e.g., 401(k)), and union dues. Some nurses opt for voluntary deductions, like flexible spending accounts (FSAs) or charitable contributions. Review your pay stub to understand these amounts, as they reduce your taxable income.

How to Calculate Your Net Pay

To calculate your net pay (take-home pay), follow these steps:

Start with your gross pay (hourly rate × hours worked, plus any bonuses or overtime).
Subtract federal income tax based on your W-4 and IRS tax brackets.
Subtract state income tax, if applicable, using your state’s tax rates.
Subtract FICA taxes ( for Social Security up to the cap, for Medicare).
Subtract other deductions (e.g., insurance, retirement contributions).

The result is your net pay. For accuracy, use a paycheck calculator tailored for nurses, which accounts for tax rates and common deductions.

Official Resources for Nurses

To verify paycheck calculations, consult these authoritative sources:

IRS Withholding Estimator: Helps adjust your W-4 to avoid over- or under-withholding.
U.S. Department of Labor: Outlines wage and hour laws for nurses, including overtime rules.
Your state’s tax agency: Provides state-specific tax rates and withholding guidelines.

Tips for Managing Your Paycheck

To maximize your take-home pay, consider these strategies:

Update your W-4 annually or after major life events (e.g., marriage, childbirth) to ensure accurate withholding.
Contribute to pre-tax accounts like 401(k)s or FSAs to lower taxable income.
Track overtime and shift differentials, as errors can occur in complex hospital payroll systems.
Consult a tax professional if you work in multiple states or have significant deductions.

Understanding your paycheck empowers you to budget effectively and plan for the future. Use the calculator below to estimate your take-home pay based on your unique circumstances.

The above information is reviewed by our team of tax experts, all of them have an average of about 10 years of experience in the U.S. tax, if you have any questions, you can submit the form to us, our experts will be within 24 hours, reply to you.

HnKey