Wisconsin Paycheck Calculator

Wisconsin Income Tax Rate

Wisconsin uses progressive brackets and has trimmed some middle rates in recent years, while the top marginal rate remains among the higher state rates. Employers start from your gross pay, subtract eligible pre-tax benefits (traditional 401(k), Section 125 health premiums, HSA/FSA), then apply federal withholding, FICA, and Wisconsin withholding using your WT-4 elections and pay frequency. Credits, dependent allowances, and supplemental wage handling (bonuses/commissions) can change per-check results. Because Wisconsin does not levy municipal wage income taxes, your income-tax layers are primarily federal and state. The table below shows the top individual rate over the last decade; your effective rate is usually lower than the top bracket.

Wisconsin Median Household Income

Wisconsin’s median household income has risen across the decade, with brief pandemic-era turbulence and renewed growth as labor markets tightened. Metro areas like Madison and suburban Milwaukee typically exceed statewide medians, while many rural counties trail. Use the values below as nominal, directional benchmarks when budgeting or comparing offers. For purchasing power, compare “real” (inflation-adjusted) dollars and factor local costs such as housing, transportation, childcare, and healthcare. Household size and employer-provided benefits meaningfully change how far a salary goes across Wisconsin communities, so pair statewide figures with current county or metro estimates when making relocation or compensation decisions.

Wisconsin Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA)

FICA funds Social Security and Medicare and applies to Wisconsin wages like everywhere in the U.S. Employees pay 6.2% Social Security on wages up to the annual 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. Section 125 health premiums often reduce both income-tax and FICA wages, while traditional 401(k) reduces income-tax wages but not FICA wages. Your pay stub will typically list Social Security, Medicare, federal income tax, and Wisconsin income tax separately so you can verify accurate withholding each period.

Wisconsin Number of Cities with Local Income Taxes

Wisconsin does not impose municipal wage income taxes. Paychecks generally include federal withholding, FICA, and the statewide Wisconsin income tax only.

How Your Wisconsin Paycheck Works

Each pay period begins with gross wages. Payroll subtracts pre-tax benefits—traditional 401(k), HSA/FSA, commuter benefits, and pre-tax insurance—to determine taxable wages. Withholding then includes federal income tax (W-4), Social Security and Medicare (FICA), and Wisconsin state income tax using WT-4 elections and your pay frequency. Because there is no local wage tax, layers are simpler than in many states. Post-tax deductions (Roth 401(k), garnishments, charitable gifts) occur after taxes and don’t reduce taxable wages. Pay schedule—weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, or monthly—changes per-check cash flow but not annual liability. Always review stubs after life events, address changes, or benefit updates.

Wisconsin Wage and Hour Laws: Overtime, Pay Frequency

Overtime: Wisconsin follows FLSA—most non-exempt employees earn 1.5× their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek; exemptions apply when duties and salary thresholds are met. Some industries have additional state rules on hours and breaks.
Pay frequency: Employers must establish regular paydays and pay on consistent intervals; biweekly or semimonthly schedules are common. Final-pay timing and itemized wage-statement requirements apply under state and federal law—review employer policy and any contract terms for specifics.

FAQs

How do I use the Wisconsin Paycheck Calculator?

Enter gross pay, pay schedule, WT-4 details, pre-tax benefits, and post-tax deductions to estimate federal, FICA, and Wisconsin withholding.

What are Wisconsin’s current income tax brackets?

Wisconsin uses progressive brackets; the top marginal rate has been 7.65% in recent years. Your effective rate depends on income and credits.

Do any Wisconsin cities have a wage income tax?

No. Municipalities do not levy wage income taxes; your check shows federal, FICA, and state withholding only.

How do pre-tax 401(k) and HSA contributions affect my paycheck?

They reduce income-tax wages, boosting take-home pay. 401(k) doesn’t reduce FICA; many health premiums under Section 125 do.

Are bonuses taxed differently in Wisconsin?

State withholding follows Wisconsin tables; federally, employers may use percentage or aggregate methods for supplemental wages like bonuses.

Why did my Wisconsin withholding change this year?

Rate tweaks, WT-4 updates, benefit elections, or supplemental pay can alter per-check results even at the same salary.

What is Wisconsin’s minimum wage policy?

Wisconsin sets a statewide minimum wage; employers must pay at least the current legal rate or higher if company policy dictates.

How often must I be paid in Wisconsin?

Employers must pay on a regular schedule—commonly biweekly or semimonthly—with compliance to wage-payment and recordkeeping rules.

Do remote workers owe Wisconsin income tax?

Residents owe tax on all income; nonresidents owe tax on Wisconsin-sourced wages. Credits may apply for other-state taxes.

Where can I find Wisconsin forms and tables?

See the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for WT-4, withholding tables, publications, and employer guidance for the current tax year.