TakeHomePayBest and worst states for take-home pay in 2026
We ran a $100,000 salary through every state's 2026 tax tables. Nine states tie for first. " f"Oregon finishes last. The gap: $8,176 a year for the exact same paycheck.
Key findings
1. A nine-way tie for #1. Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, " f"Texas, Washington, and Wyoming all keep $79,180 on $100,000. No state income tax means no " "difference between them at all: the calculators produce the identical number nine times.
2. Oregon is #50, not California. Everyone expects California to finish last. It doesn't: " f"it ranks #44 ($73,972). Oregon's 9.9% top bracket beats California's 9.3%, taking " f"$8,176 and leaving just $71,004.
3. The state line is worth $8,176 a year. Same $100,000 salary, same federal tax, same " "FICA. The only thing changing is the state, and that gap is bigger than three months of take-home pay in Oregon.
4. North Dakota is the best state that actually has an income tax. It ranks #10 with just " f"$691 in state tax, keeping $78,489. Low-rate states cluster right behind " "the no-tax nine.
5. The usual suspects fill the bottom. Hawaii (#49), Maine (#48), Delaware (#47), and Kansas " "(#46) join Oregon at the bottom. All of them have top brackets above 6%.
The full ranking: $100,000 salary, single filer
| Rank | State | Take-home pay | State income tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $79,180 | $0 |
| 2 | Florida | $79,180 | $0 |
| 3 | New Hampshire | $79,180 | $0 |
| 4 | Nevada | $79,180 | $0 |
| 5 | South Dakota | $79,180 | $0 |
| 6 | Tennessee | $79,180 | $0 |
| 7 | Texas | $79,180 | $0 |
| 8 | Washington | $79,180 | $0 |
| 9 | Wyoming | $79,180 | $0 |
| 10 | North Dakota | $78,489 | $691 |
| 11 | Ohio | $77,146 | $2,034 |
| 12 | Arizona | $76,889 | $2,291 |
| 13 | Louisiana | $76,566 | $2,614 |
| 14 | Indiana | $76,230 | $2,950 |
| 15 | Pennsylvania | $76,110 | $3,070 |
| 16 | Iowa | $75,992 | $3,188 |
| 17 | Kentucky | $75,798 | $3,382 |
| 18 | Rhode Island | $75,782 | $3,398 |
| 19 | North Carolina | $75,699 | $3,481 |
| 20 | Mississippi | $75,672 | $3,508 |
| 21 | New Mexico | $75,611 | $3,569 |
| 22 | Colorado | $75,488 | $3,692 |
| 23 | Arkansas | $75,464 | $3,716 |
| 24 | Missouri | $75,417 | $3,763 |
| 25 | West Virginia | $75,398 | $3,782 |
| 26 | Nebraska | $75,334 | $3,846 |
| 27 | Wisconsin | $75,223 | $3,957 |
| 28 | Oklahoma | $75,180 | $4,000 |
| 29 | Idaho | $74,988 | $4,192 |
| 30 | Georgia | $74,938 | $4,242 |
| 31 | South Carolina | $74,936 | $4,244 |
| 32 | New Jersey | $74,934 | $4,246 |
| 33 | Michigan | $74,930 | $4,250 |
| 34 | Montana | $74,891 | $4,289 |
| 35 | Utah | $74,730 | $4,450 |
| 36 | Vermont | $74,690 | $4,490 |
| 37 | Maryland | $74,642 | $4,538 |
| 38 | Connecticut | $74,430 | $4,750 |
| 39 | Alabama | $74,370 | $4,810 |
| 40 | New York | $74,320 | $4,860 |
| 41 | Illinois | $74,230 | $4,950 |
| 42 | Virginia | $74,191 | $4,989 |
| 43 | Massachusetts | $74,180 | $5,000 |
| 44 | California | $73,972 | $5,208 |
| 45 | Minnesota | $73,903 | $5,277 |
| 46 | Kansas | $73,889 | $5,291 |
| 47 | Delaware | $73,811 | $5,369 |
| 48 | Maine | $73,147 | $6,033 |
| 49 | Hawaii | $73,023 | $6,157 |
| 50 | Oregon | $71,004 | $8,176 |
Single filer, $100,000 salary, 2026 tax tables. Federal tax and FICA are identical in every state; " "only the state column moves.
Cite this study
Journalists, bloggers, and researchers: please cite with a link back to this page.
According to TakeHomePayUSA's 2026 analysis of a $100,000 single-filer salary, the nine states with no income tax tie for the highest take-home pay ($79,180), while Oregon ranks last at $71,004, a gap of $8,176 per year. Source: https://takehomepayusa.xyz/best-states-take-home-pay.html
Frequently asked questions
How was this ranking calculated?
Single filer, $100,000 salary, 2026 federal brackets and standard deduction, 2026 state tax tables, and 2026 FICA rates. Full details in our methodology page.
Why do nine states tie for first place?
Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming all have no state income tax on wages, so a $100,000 salary keeps the identical $79,180 in each.
Why is Oregon last instead of California?
Oregon's top income tax bracket is 9.9%, higher than California's 9.3%. At $100,000, Oregon takes $8,176 in state tax versus California's $5,208, which puts California at #44 and Oregon at #50.
Does this include property and sales taxes?
No. This ranking covers income tax only (federal, state, FICA). States with no income tax often collect more through property or sales taxes, so treat this as the income-tax chapter, not total cost of living.
Can I cite this study?
Yes, please do. Use the citation box above with a link back to this page.
Keep exploring
Run your own salary in the take-home pay calculator, compare any two states head to head like " "Texas vs California, or rank all 50 states for your exact pay with the " "Salary Showdown.
Estimates only, 2026 tax tables. Not tax advice. Methodology: how we calculate.