$21,000 Salary - US Take Home Pay
If you earn $21,000 per year in the US, you will take home approximately $18,794 after federal tax and FICA. That's $1,566.13 per month.
(Calculated for single filer in a state with no income tax)
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Your Income
Enter your salary details for 2025
✓ No state income tax
Pre-tax contribution (max $23,500 in 2025)
Pre-tax health savings (max $4,300 self / $8,550 family)
Take Home Pay
$18,793.50/year
89.5% of gross income
- Gross Income$21,000.00
- Taxable Income$6,000.00
- Federal Tax-$600.00
- State Tax (TX)-$0.00
- Social Security-$1,302.00
- Medicare-$304.50
- Total Deductions-$2,206.50
10.5%
Effective Rate
10%
Marginal Rate
$21,000 Salary Insights
Compare your salary and understand your tax breakdown
$21,000 vs US Wages
Below US median
-65%
vs US Median
$38,540
Below Median
Where Your $21,000 Goes
Annual breakdown of your salary
401(k) Tax Benefits on $21,000
See how 401(k) contributions reduce your tax bill
Increase your 401(k) contribution to see potential tax savings. Max contribution for 2025 is $23,500.
$21,000 Salary Breakdown
| Description | Yearly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $21,000.00 | $1,750.00 |
| Standard Deduction | $15,000.00 | $1,250.00 |
| Taxable Income | $6,000.00 | $500.00 |
| Federal Tax | -$600.00 | -$50.00 |
| Social Security | -$1,302.00 | -$108.50 |
| Medicare | -$304.50 | -$25.38 |
| Total Deductions | -$2,206.50 | -$183.88 |
| Take Home Pay | $18,793.50 | $1,566.13 |
Understanding Your $21,000 Salary
A $21,000 salary in the US for the 2025 tax year will result in a take-home pay of approximately $18,793.50 per year, or $1,566.13 per month (assuming single filer in a state with no income tax). This calculation includes Federal Income Tax and FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare).
Your effective tax rate is 10.5%, meaning for every $1 you earn, you keep approximately $0.89. Your marginal tax rate (the rate on your next $1 earned) is 10%.
This calculation assumes single filing status and uses the standard deduction of $15,000. State taxes vary significantly - use the calculator above to see results for your specific state.