Maryland Paycheck Calculator
Estimate Maryland take-home pay including federal, state, local taxes and FICA, with pre-tax deductions and various pay frequencies for workers.
Maryland income tax rate
Maryland uses progressive state brackets ranging from 2.00% to 5.75%. Your taxable wages are reduced by pre-tax benefits (401(k), HSA/FSA, insurance) and Maryland’s standard deduction or itemized deductions, then state brackets apply. In addition, every county (and Baltimore City) imposes a local income tax that’s withheld with the state. While thresholds and credits change periodically, the top state rate has been stable. Employers compute withholding using your MW507 plus federal W-4 and your pay frequency, spreading annualized tables across each check. Review pay stubs after life events or benefit changes to ensure the correct state and local rates.
| Year | Top Rate |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 5.75% |
| 2017 | 5.75% |
| 2018 | 5.75% |
| 2019 | 5.75% |
| 2020 | 5.75% |
| 2021 | 5.75% |
| 2022 | 5.75% |
| 2023 | 5.75% |
| 2024 | 5.75% |
| 2025 | 5.75% |
Maryland median household income
Maryland consistently ranks among the highest-income states due to concentrations in government, defense, healthcare, biotech, and professional services. Median household income dipped during pandemic disruptions, then resumed an upward trend alongside tight labor markets. Remember: nominal medians do not account for inflation; compare “real” dollars to gauge purchasing power. Regional differences are significant—Montgomery, Howard, and Anne Arundel typically exceed statewide medians, while some rural counties trend lower. Use the benchmarks below as directional estimates when evaluating offers, setting budgets, or comparing metros like Baltimore–Columbia–Towson and Washington–Arlington–Alexandria against statewide trends.
| Year | Income |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $80,500 |
| 2017 | $83,100 |
| 2018 | $86,700 |
| 2019 | $90,200 |
| 2020 | $94,300 |
| 2021 | $97,200 |
| 2022 | $98,500 |
| 2023 | $100,600 |
| 2024 | $102,900 |
| 2025 | $104,200 (prelim.) |
Maryland Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA)
FICA is the federal payroll tax that funds Social Security and Medicare. Employees pay 6.2% Social Security (matched by employers) on wages up to the annual wage base and 1.45% Medicare on all wages. High earners owe an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax above federal thresholds (employers do not match the surtax). Maryland does not change FICA rules, but FICA still reduces the taxable wages used for state and local income tax calculations after pre-tax benefits. Your pay stub will usually list Social Security, Medicare, state tax, and local (county/city) tax as separate withholding lines.
Maryland number of cities that have local income taxes
Maryland’s local income tax is set by 24 jurisdictions (23 counties plus Baltimore City). Rates generally range from about 2.25% to 3.20% and are withheld with the state tax on every paycheck.
| Jurisdiction | Rate |
|---|---|
| Baltimore City | 3.20% |
| Baltimore County | 3.20% |
| Montgomery County | 3.20% |
| Prince George’s County | 3.20% |
| Howard County | 3.20% |
| Anne Arundel County | 2.81% |
| Frederick County | 2.96% |
| Harford County | 3.06% |
| Carroll County | 3.03% |
| Wicomico County | 3.20% |
How Your Maryland Paycheck Works
Payroll starts with gross wages. Pre-tax elections (traditional 401(k), HSA/FSA, commuter, and pre-tax insurance) reduce taxable wages. The system withholds federal income tax (W-4), FICA, Maryland state income tax, and the applicable local income tax based on your MW507 and home/work locality. Post-tax items (Roth 401(k), garnishments, charitable deductions) do not reduce taxable income. Pay frequency—weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, or monthly—changes per-check amounts but not annual tax. Supplemental wages (bonuses/commissions) are withheld using employer methods aligned with state guidance. Always verify locality codes and residency so county/city rates are applied correctly.
Maryland Wage and Hour Laws: Overtime, Pay Frequency
Maryland follows the FLSA overtime standard: most non-exempt employees earn 1.5× their regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek (certain exemptions apply). Maryland law also includes daily/weekly recordkeeping and pay-stub requirements. Employers must set a regular payday and pay wages on consistent intervals; biweekly and semimonthly schedules are common, while salaried employees are often paid at least monthly. Final-pay deadlines apply upon separation. Local ordinances may add leave or benefit rules, particularly in Montgomery County and other jurisdictions—check employer policies and locality guidance for additional requirements beyond statewide standards.
FAQs
How do I use the Maryland Paycheck Calculator?
Enter gross pay, pay schedule, MW507 details, pre-tax benefits, and your county/city to estimate state and local withholding plus FICA.
What are Maryland’s state income tax brackets?
Progressive brackets from 2.00% up to 5.75%, with additional county/city local rates that vary by jurisdiction.
Do all Maryland counties have a local income tax?
Yes. All 23 counties and Baltimore City impose local income tax, withheld with state tax on each paycheck.
Why is my coworker’s Maryland withholding different from mine?
Local rate, MW507 elections, pre-tax benefits, and supplemental pay methods can produce different withholding even at similar salaries.
How do pre-tax 401(k) and HSA contributions affect taxes?
They lower state and local taxable wages (and federal income tax), increasing take-home pay; FICA treatment varies by benefit type.
Are Maryland bonuses taxed differently?
Employers may use permitted supplemental methods, but state brackets and your local rate still apply to bonus wages.
What is shown on a Maryland pay stub?
Typically federal tax, Social Security, Medicare, Maryland state tax, local income tax, pre-tax deductions, post-tax deductions, and net pay.