Is $30,000 a Good Salary?
$30,000/year is below average — 37% of the US median household income.
How $30,000 Compares
This salary is below the US median household income. It may be sufficient in lower cost-of-living areas but will be tight in major metros. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey.
$30,000 Take-Home Pay by State (Single Filer, 2025)
| State | State Tax | Net Annual | Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $0 | $26,096 | 13.02% |
| California | $394 | $25,701 | 14.33% |
| New York | $1,045 | $25,051 | 16.5% |
Calculate Your Take-Home Pay
Annual Take-Home Pay
$26,096
Effective rate: 13.02% · Marginal: 12.0% federal
Gross Annual Salary | $30,000 |
Federal Taxable Income After std. deduction | $15,400 |
Federal Income Tax Marginal rate: 12.0% | −$1,610 |
State Income Tax TX | −$0 |
Social Security 6.2% (FICA) | −$1,860 |
Medicare 1.45% (FICA) | −$435 |
Total Tax Effective rate: 13.02% | −$3,905 |
Annual Take-Home | $26,096 |
Estimates only · 2025 IRS brackets · Local taxes not included
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $30,000 a good salary in the US?
$30,000/year is below average. The US median household income is approximately $80,610 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey), so $30,000 represents 37% of the median. This salary is below the US median household income. It may be sufficient in lower cost-of-living areas but will be tight in major metros.
How much is $30,000 a year after taxes?
After taxes, a $30,000 salary in Texas (no state income tax) nets approximately $26,096/year. In California, it's roughly $25,701, and in New York about $25,051. Assumes single filer, standard deduction, 2025 brackets.
What percentile is $30,000?
$30,000 is below the US median household income and represents roughly the bottom third of individual earners.