Tax Bracket After a Raise Calculator
See what a raise really adds to your paycheck — only the dollars above the bracket line are taxed higher, not your whole salary.
How it works
Extra tax = fed tax(income + raise) − fed tax(income) · Take-home = raise − extra tax · Rate on raise = extra tax ÷ raise
A common myth is that a raise can push all your income into a higher bracket and leave you worse off. Brackets are marginal: only the dollars above each threshold are taxed at the higher rate, so your existing income keeps its lower rates and a raise never reduces take-home. When a raise straddles a bracket line, part is taxed at the old rate and part at the new one, giving a blended rate on the raise itself.
Worked example
On $95,000 (single) a $10,000 raise moves you from the 22% to the 24% bracket at $100,525. The first $5,525 is taxed at 22% and the last $4,475 at 24%, about $2,289 of extra tax — so you keep roughly $7,711, an effective 22.9% on the raise, not 24% of your whole salary.
Frequently asked questions
Can a raise ever lower my take-home pay?
Not through federal income tax brackets — they are marginal, so a raise always leaves you with more after tax. Take-home can dip only through cliffs in means-tested benefits or credits, which are separate from tax brackets.
Why is the tax on my raise less than my top bracket rate?
Because a raise that crosses a bracket line is split: the portion below the line keeps the lower rate and only the portion above is taxed at the higher rate, so the blended rate on the raise sits between the two.
Does this include payroll and state tax?
No — this is federal income tax only. Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes (7.65%) and any state income tax apply on top, so your actual take-home from a raise is somewhat lower.
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Educational estimate using 2024 U.S. federal figures — ignores state tax, credits, phase-outs and your full situation. Not tax advice; confirm with a professional or the IRS.