Colorado Paycheck Calculator: Calculate Your CO Take-Home Pay
Estimate net pay with our free Colorado paycheck calculator. Includes federal, FICA, and the CO flat state tax to compute accurate take-home pay each payday.
Colorado Paycheck Calculator: Calculate Your CO Take-Home Pay
Enter your details below to calculate
Colorado Paycheck Calculator
Paycheck Inputs
Pre-Tax Deductions (per paycheck)
Colorado Programs & Local
Default 0.45% employee share (total program 0.9%)
Paycheck Breakdown
How to Use Colorado Paycheck Calculator
Enter Your Data
Input your financial information, amounts, rates, and terms in the calculator fields
Adjust Parameters
Fine-tune options like compounding frequency, payment schedules, or additional contributions
Calculate Results
Click Calculate to instantly see your results with detailed breakdowns and charts
Analyze & Compare
Review the results, try different scenarios, and use insights for financial planning
Key Features
Fast colorado paycheck calculator calculations
Clear inputs and results
Mobile-friendly, privacy-first
Free to use, no signup
Complete Guide to Colorado Paycheck Calculations (2025)
Colorado uses a simple, flat state income tax rate alongside standard federal payroll taxes. In 2025, CO payroll also includes employee contributions to the FAMLI program and, in some cities, small local occupational taxes. Our calculator reflects these layers to estimate your real take‑home pay.
Key 2025 Facts for Colorado Employees
- Colorado state income tax: flat 4.40%
- Social Security: 6.2% up to $176,100 wage base
- Medicare: 1.45% (+0.9% over federal threshold)
- FAMLI employee premium: 0.45% (up to SS wage base)
- Denver OPT employee tax: $5.75/month (if applicable)
How Your Colorado Paycheck Is Calculated
Federal Income Tax
Calculated using 2025 federal brackets and your filing status, after the standard deduction and any W‑4 Step 3 credits (dependents) spread across pay periods.
FICA: Social Security + Medicare
6.2% Social Security up to the annual wage base, plus 1.45% Medicare. Additional 0.9% Medicare applies above federal thresholds.
Colorado State Income Tax
Flat 4.40% applied to taxable wages. Pretax benefits (401(k), HSA/FSA, Section 125 health premiums) generally reduce state and federal taxable wages.
FAMLI (Paid Family & Medical Leave)
Employee premium defaults to 0.45% and is applied up to the Social Security wage base. Employers typically match the other half, but only the employee portion is withheld from your paycheck.
Pretax Deductions: What They Reduce
- 401(k)/403(b): Lowers federal and Colorado taxable wages, but still subject to FICA.
- HSA/FSA (Section 125): Lowers federal, Colorado, and FICA wages when withheld via cafeteria plans.
- Pre‑tax health premiums: Typically reduce federal, Colorado, and FICA wages under Section 125.
- W‑4 Step 3 credits: Reduce your federal withholding by a set annual dollar amount divided across paychecks.
Real‑World Examples
Entry‑Level – $55,000 salary
Semimonthly gross ≈ $2,292. With modest 401(k) and health deductions, expect federal, state (4.4%), FICA, and FAMLI to reduce take‑home by roughly 25–30%, depending on elections.
Professional – $95,000 salary
Semimonthly gross ≈ $3,958. Larger pretax benefits (401(k), HSA) can meaningfully improve net pay. Additional Medicare does not apply at this level; FAMLI remains under the wage base.
Local head taxes like Denver's Occupational Privilege Tax are small, monthly amounts. For multi‑paycheck periods, our calculator allocates them approximately across paychecks for clarity.
Tips to Increase Your Take‑Home Pay
- Review W‑4 elections after life changes (marriage, child, second job).
- Use pretax benefits (401(k), HSA/FSA) to reduce taxable income where appropriate.
- Check city‑specific taxes if you work in Denver or other OPT jurisdictions.
- Plan for bonuses: supplemental withholding methods may differ from regular pay.
About the Author
Jurica Šinko
Finance Expert, CPA, MBA with 15+ years in corporate finance and investment management
Connect with JuricaFrequently Asked Questions
How accurate are these calculator results?
Our calculators use industry-standard financial formulas and are regularly verified against professional accounting software. Results are highly accurate based on the information you provide.
Is my financial data stored or shared?
No. All calculations happen locally in your browser. We never store, track, or share any of your personal financial information. Your privacy is 100% protected.
Can I use these calculators for business purposes?
Yes! Our calculators are suitable for both personal and business financial planning. Many small business owners and financial professionals use them daily.
How often are rates and formulas updated?
We regularly update our calculators to reflect current tax laws, interest rates, and financial regulations. Check the last updated date on each calculator page.
What makes these calculators different from others online?
We focus on user experience, accuracy, and privacy. No ads cluttering the interface, no required sign-ups, and mobile-first design ensures they work perfectly on any device.
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