Nurse Paycheck Calculator 2026
Quick answer: Nurse take-home pay 2026: RN median salary ~$82,000/year. After federal tax, FICA (7.65%), and state tax, take-home is approximately $60,500–$65,000/year ($4,625–$4,990/month). Travel nurses in no-income-tax states keep $3,000–$5,000 more/year.
The average RN salary is $77,600/year ($37.31/hr) in 2026. After federal taxes and FICA — and state taxes that vary dramatically — take-home ranges from $55,000 to $62,000. Use the free calculator for your exact situation.
Take-Home Pay Breakdown
| Scenario | State Tax | Annual Take-Home | Effective Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | None | $59,040 | $28.38 |
| Florida | None | $59,040 | $28.38 |
| California | 9.30% | $52,500 | $25.24 |
| New York | 6.85% | $54,840 | $26.37 |
| Illinois | 4.95% | $56,160 | $27.00 |
| Washington | None | $59,040 | $28.38 |
| Pennsylvania | 3.07% | $57,504 | $27.65 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do nurses take home after taxes?
An RN earning $77,600/year takes home approximately $59,040 in Texas, $56,160 in Illinois, and $52,500 in California after all taxes.
Do nurses pay more taxes due to overtime?
Yes. Overtime pay is taxed at your marginal rate. An RN in the 22% federal bracket will pay 22% federal + state tax on all overtime hours, reducing the net benefit.
What is the average RN salary after taxes in California?
A California RN earning the state average of ~$130,000 takes home approximately $91,344/year after 9.3% state tax, federal taxes, and FICA.
The Internal Revenue Service requires self-employed individuals and freelancers to pay estimated taxes quarterly if they expect to owe at least $1,000 in federal tax for the year.— IRS.gov — Self-Employed Tax Center
Related Guides
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