Part-Time Pay Calculator — Hours × Rate = Real Take-Home
Enter your hours and hourly rate to see weekly, monthly, and yearly take-home pay after estimated federal taxes and FICA. No sign-up required.
Full-time students employed by their own university may qualify for the student FICA exemption. Check with your payroll office.
Weekly
—
—
Monthly
—
—
Annual
—
—
Annual tax breakdown (estimated)
Gross annual income—
Federal income tax (est.)—
FICA — Social Security (6.2%)—
FICA — Medicare (1.45%)—
State income tax (est.)—
Total estimated tax—
Net annual take-home—
These are estimates based on 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deduction. Actual withholding depends on your W-4 elections, state rules, and additional deductions. Consult a tax professional or use IRS Free File for an accurate return.
📢 728×90 Mid-Page — Replace with AdSense <ins> tag
2026 Federal Tax Brackets (Single Filers)
Taxable Income
Rate
Tax on bracket
$0 – $11,600
10%
Up to $1,160
$11,601 – $47,150
12%
Up to $4,266
$47,151 – $100,525
22%
Up to $11,742
$100,526 – $191,950
24%
—
$191,951 – $243,725
32%
—
Over $243,725
35–37%
—
The 2026 standard deduction for single filers is approximately $14,600. Part-time students earning under $14,600/year owe $0 federal income tax (though FICA still applies to earned income). Most students working part-time fall in the 10–12% marginal bracket.
Student Jobs — Typical Wages
Job Type
Typical Range
Notes
On-campus work study
$10–$15/hr
Federally subsidised; limited hours
Retail / food service
$12–$18/hr
Flexible scheduling, tip income possible
Tutoring (peer)
$15–$25/hr
Often through learning centres
Tutoring (private)
$25–$60/hr
Self-employed; set your own rate
Research assistant
$12–$20/hr
May count toward financial aid
Freelance / gig work
Varies widely
Subject to self-employment tax (15.3%)
Internship (paid)
$15–$35/hr
May affect financial aid; ask your aid office
Does Part-Time Income Affect Financial Aid?
Yes, potentially. The FAFSA uses your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from two years prior to determine aid eligibility. If your income rises significantly this year, it will affect your aid package two years from now. For most students earning under $20,000/year from part-time work, the impact on need-based aid is modest because the federal formula includes an income protection allowance.
Important exception: Work-Study income is excluded from FAFSA income calculations — it does not reduce your aid eligibility. If you have a work-study offer, accept it before seeking off-campus employment.
Maximising Your Part-Time Income
Track deductible expenses if freelancing. Self-employed students can deduct home office, equipment, and software costs, reducing taxable income.
Open a Roth IRA — even contributing $500/year in your early 20s compounds dramatically by retirement. You can contribute up to your earned income (max $7,000 in 2026) in a tax year.
File your taxes even if your income is below the filing threshold. You may be owed a refund of over-withheld taxes from your W-4.
Check for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) — students with very low income may qualify for a refundable credit.
Compare work-study vs off-campus jobs. Work-study protects financial aid; off-campus jobs may pay more per hour. Calculate the net difference after aid impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students enrolled at least half-time and employed by their own college or university may be exempt from Social Security and Medicare withholding (FICA) on wages from that employer. This is a significant benefit — 7.65% saved on every dollar earned. The exemption only applies to on-campus employment at your own institution while enrolled; it does not apply to off-campus jobs, summer work, or freelance income. Ask your university's payroll department if you qualify.
You can claim exempt from federal withholding only if you had no federal tax liability last year and expect none this year. For most students this means: total income (wages + investment income) must be under approximately $14,600 (the standard deduction) AND you had a refund of all withheld federal taxes last year. If you qualify, claiming exempt means your employer withholds no federal income tax — you will owe nothing and get no refund. Do not claim exempt if you have significant investment or other income.
Earning too much in a given year can reduce need-based aid in future years. The FAFSA income protection allowance for dependent students is approximately $9,410 (2024–25) — income above that counts against your EFC (Expected Family Contribution). For every dollar above the allowance, approximately 22–47 cents is added to your EFC, reducing need-based aid by that amount. For most students earning $12,000–$20,000/year, the actual aid impact is modest. Consult your financial aid office if you expect a significant income jump.
Yes. Tips are taxable income and must be reported. You should report tips to your employer (so they can withhold taxes) and include all tip income on your tax return. If your total tips in a month exceed $20, you are legally required to report them to your employer by the 10th of the following month using Form 4070. Unreported tip income is a common audit trigger and carries penalties.