1099 vs W2 Calculator

Compare take-home pay as a W-2 employee and as a 1099 contractor to see which offer is better.

Quick answer: 1099 vs W2 Calculator: Compare take-home pay as a W-2 employee and as a 1099 contractor to see which offer is better. Everything runs in your browser, so nothing you enter is uploaded or stored.

How to use 1099 vs W2 Calculator

  1. Enter your values in the fields.
  2. The results update instantly as you type.
  3. Note or copy the numbers you need.

Features

How it works

We calculate take-home pay for both choices with the same filing status and no state tax, then search for the 1099 income that gives the same take-home as the W-2 job.

Worked example

A W-2 salary of 80,000 nets about 65,100. A contractor needs about 86,000 to take home the same amount, roughly 7.5 percent more, before counting health insurance and paid time off.

Good to know

These are estimates for planning, not tax advice. Rates and limits change every year, so confirm the latest figures at irs.gov or with a tax professional.

Frequently asked questions

Why should a 1099 rate be higher?

Contractors pay both halves of Social Security and Medicare and usually have no paid leave or health insurance.

What rate matches a W-2 salary?

The result shows the 1099 income needed for the same take-home pay as your W-2 salary, before benefits.

Is the 1099 vs W2 Calculator free?

Yes. It is free, needs no signup and works on any device.

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