How Paycheck Taxes Work in California
Every paycheck in California is subject to federal income tax, FICA (Social Security at 6.2% and Medicare at 1.45%), and California state income tax of up to 13.3%.
The median household income in California is $84,000/year. At that income level, a single filer faces a federal effective tax rate of roughly 12–15%, plus FICA of 7.65%, plus state taxes of several percent.
California vs. National Average
| Tax | California | National |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax (top rate) | 13.3% | ~5.5% avg |
| Federal Income Tax (median earner) | ~12% | ~12% |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | 7.65% | 7.65% |
| Cost of Living Index | 151 | 100 |