Ohio Paycheck Calculator

Ohio Income Tax Rate

Ohio taxes wage income with brackets that have been trimmed multiple times over the past decade, lowering most workers’ marginal rates. Employers start from gross pay and subtract pre-tax benefits—traditional 401(k), Section 125 health premiums, HSA/FSA, commuter benefits— to reach taxable wages. Payroll then withholds federal income tax, FICA, and Ohio state income tax based on your IT 4 elections and pay frequency. Supplemental wages (bonuses/commissions) follow federal percentage or aggregate methods. Separate from state tax, many Ohio cities levy a local income tax (see below), and some school districts impose a School District Income Tax (SDIT) that may appear as a distinct line on your pay stub. Your effective rate is typically lower than the top bracket once deductions, credits, and pre-tax benefits reduce taxable income over the year.

Ohio Median Household Income

Ohio’s median household income has risen steadily with momentum in healthcare, logistics, advanced manufacturing, professional services, higher education, and a growing tech corridor in Central and Northeast Ohio. Pandemic disruptions slowed progress briefly, then nominal gains resumed as labor markets tightened around Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo, Akron, and Cleveland. Use the figures below as directional, nominal benchmarks for budgeting or offer comparisons. For purchasing power, consider “real” (inflation-adjusted) dollars and regional cost differences—housing, transportation, childcare, and insurance vary widely between metro, suburban, and rural counties. Household size and employer benefits (health coverage, retirement match, HSA contributions) materially shape take-home value statewide.

Ohio Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA)

FICA applies in Ohio like everywhere in the U.S. Employees pay 6.2% Social Security on wages up to the federal wage base (employers match) and 1.45% Medicare on all wages (also matched). High earners owe an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax above federal thresholds; employers do not match the surtax. Traditional 401(k) lowers income-tax wages but not FICA; Section 125 health premiums typically reduce both income-tax and FICA wages. Ohio pay stubs often show separate lines for local city tax and, where applicable, School District Income Tax, alongside federal, state, and benefit deductions.

Ohio Number of Cities with Local Income Taxes

Hundreds of Ohio municipalities levy local income taxes on wages. Rates vary widely by city and may apply to residents and nonresidents working in the city. Confirm your work location and any reciprocal or remote-work rules with payroll.

How Your Ohio Paycheck Works

Your paycheck begins with gross wages for the period. Payroll subtracts pre-tax benefits—traditional 401(k), HSA/FSA, Section 125 health premiums, and eligible commuter benefits—to determine taxable wages. Withholding then includes federal income tax (per W-4), FICA (Social Security and Medicare), Ohio state income tax (IT 4), and any applicable municipal and school district income taxes. Post-tax items—Roth 401(k), garnishments, union dues, and charitable contributions—are deducted after taxes and don’t reduce taxable wages. Pay frequency (weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, monthly) changes cash-flow timing but not annual tax owed; revisit forms after life events, raises, or benefit changes to keep withholding aligned.

Ohio Wage and Hour Laws: Overtime, Pay Frequency

Overtime: Ohio follows FLSA—most non-exempt employees earn 1.5× their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek; duties/salary-threshold exemptions apply.
Pay frequency: Employers must establish regular, published paydays and pay on consistent intervals; biweekly and semimonthly schedules are common. Rules also cover timely final pay and itemized wage statements—check employer policies for specifics.

FAQs

How do I use the Ohio Paycheck Calculator?

Enter gross pay, schedule, W-4/IT 4 details, pre-tax benefits, and deductions to estimate federal, FICA, state, city, and SDIT withholding.

Why is there a city tax on my Ohio paycheck?

Many Ohio municipalities levy local income taxes on wages; rates and residency/work rules vary by city.

What is Ohio’s current top state income tax rate?

See the 10-year table; recent reforms have lowered the top bracket to around the mid-3% range.

Do school district income taxes apply to everyone?

No. Only certain districts impose SDIT; if applicable, it appears as a separate payroll line.

How are bonuses withheld in Ohio?

Employers use federal percentage or aggregate methods; Ohio state and local withholding apply to supplemental wages.

Do 401(k) and HSA contributions reduce Ohio taxes?

They reduce income-tax wages; traditional 401(k) doesn’t cut FICA, while many Section 125 health premiums do.

How does remote work affect Ohio local taxes?

Local tax sourcing can depend on where work is performed; confirm employer policies and any temporary relief rules.

Are tips taxable in Ohio?

Yes. Reported tips are subject to federal income tax, FICA, Ohio state tax, and local tax where applicable.

What shows on a typical Ohio pay stub?

Federal tax, Social Security, Medicare, Ohio state tax, city tax, SDIT (if any), deductions, YTD totals, net pay.

How often must I be paid in Ohio?

Employers must pay on regular, published schedules, commonly biweekly or semimonthly, with rules for timely final pay.

Which benefits can lower my FICA in Ohio?

Section 125 health premiums typically reduce FICA; traditional 401(k) does not. HSA via cafeteria plan may reduce FICA.

Why did my withholding change midyear?

New IT 4, raises, variable hours, bonuses, local rate changes, or benefit elections can shift per-check withholding.

Do nonresidents pay Ohio tax?

Nonresidents owe Ohio tax on Ohio-sourced wages; credits or reciprocity may apply with some neighboring states.

How does pay frequency affect total tax?

It changes cash-flow timing, not annual liability; total withholding should track your yearly income.