If you live or work in Trenton, New Jersey, you’ve probably looked at your paycheck and wondered why the number on your pay stub is smaller than the salary you expected.
That’s because your take-home pay—the amount you actually keep—comes after a mix of federal, state, and payroll deductions.
This guide walks you through exactly what comes out of your paycheck in Trenton and how to estimate your net pay for 2025.
Understanding Gross Pay vs. Take-Home Pay
Your gross pay is your total income before any taxes or deductions.
Your take-home pay, sometimes called net pay, is what’s left after your employer withholds taxes and other contributions.
In Trenton, the main deductions you’ll see on your paycheck include:
- Federal income tax
- FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare)
- New Jersey state income tax
- New Jersey payroll deductions (UI, DI, FLI)
- Optional benefits like health insurance or retirement savings
You can quickly see this difference using a gross-to-net paycheck tool such as the New Jersey Gross-to-Net Calculator.
Federal Taxes Withheld from Your Trenton Paycheck
No matter where you live in the U.S., you’ll have federal taxes withheld based on your W-4 form and income level.
Federal Income Tax
The IRS uses a progressive tax system, meaning your tax rate increases as your income rises. For 2025, the rates range from 10% to 37%, depending on your taxable income and filing status.
Employers calculate this automatically, but you can use a federal tax withholding calculator to estimate what’s taken out.
FICA: Social Security and Medicare
FICA taxes fund Social Security and Medicare programs.
- 6.2% goes to Social Security
- 1.45% goes to Medicare
- If you earn over $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (married), there’s an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax
For most Trenton employees, these deductions total 7.65% of gross pay each pay period.
New Jersey State Income Tax
New Jersey has a progressive income tax system that applies to Trenton residents just like anywhere else in the state.
Here’s how the 2025 tax brackets look for single filers:
| Income Range | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to $20,000 | 1.4% |
| $20,001 – $35,000 | 1.75% |
| $35,001 – $40,000 | 3.5% |
| $40,001 – $75,000 | 5.525% |
| $75,001 – $500,000 | 6.37% |
| $500,001 – $1 million | 8.97% |
| Over $1 million | 10.75% |
If you earn around $60,000 in Trenton, your effective state income tax is roughly 5%, depending on your filing status and deductions.
To see exactly how your income fits into these rates, try the New Jersey Income Tax Bracket Calculator.
State Payroll Deductions Unique to New Jersey
Alongside income tax, New Jersey requires several state-specific payroll deductions that fund worker benefits:
| Deduction | Typical 2025 Rate | What It Supports |
|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Insurance (UI) | ~0.3825% | Provides benefits if you lose your job |
| Disability Insurance (DI) | ~0.47% | Covers income loss from non-work-related illness or injury |
| Family Leave Insurance (FLI) | ~0.09% | Offers paid leave for caregiving or new parents |
| Workforce Development Fund | ~0.0425% | Supports job training programs in New Jersey |
These deductions are small individually but add up to roughly 0.8–1% of your paycheck.
They are unique to New Jersey and appear on pay stubs as abbreviations like “NJ UI,” “NJ DI,” and “NJ FLI.”
To estimate yours more precisely, try using your New Jersey paycheck calculator for a personalized result.
Example: Take-Home Pay for a Trenton Worker Earning $60,000
Here’s an approximate breakdown for someone earning $60,000 per year in Trenton, paid biweekly (26 pay periods):
| Deduction | Amount per Pay Period (Estimated) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Income Tax | $230–$250 | Depends on W-4 status |
| Social Security (6.2%) | $143 | Fixed percentage |
| Medicare (1.45%) | $33 | Fixed percentage |
| NJ State Income Tax | $130–$150 | Progressive rate |
| NJ Payroll Deductions (UI, DI, FLI) | $15–$20 | State-specific |
| Take-Home Pay (Approx.) | ≈ $1,710 | After taxes and deductions |
Your net annual pay would be roughly $44,000 to $45,000, depending on your benefits, filing status, and any pre-tax deductions like 401(k) or health insurance.
For a detailed paycheck estimate, check the biweekly paycheck calculator on your site or compare across frequencies using the monthly paycheck calculator.
Optional Deductions That Affect Your Take-Home Pay
Beyond taxes, your employer may withhold additional amounts for:
- Retirement contributions (401(k), 403(b))
- Health or dental insurance premiums
- Union dues or charitable contributions
These deductions are often pre-tax, meaning they reduce your taxable income and lower your tax burden.
Common Questions About Take-Home Pay in Trenton, NJ
Do Trenton residents pay local city income taxes?
No. Trenton doesn’t have a local city income tax. You only pay federal and state taxes.
Does where I live in New Jersey affect my paycheck?
Your state tax rate stays the same, but cost of living (housing, commuting) changes what your take-home pay feels like in practice.
How does pay frequency change my take-home?
Weekly paychecks will have smaller deductions per check but the same total annual tax. Biweekly and monthly pay schedules simply spread taxes differently.
Can I increase my take-home pay?
Yes. Review your W-4 allowances, increase pre-tax retirement contributions, or use employer benefits to reduce taxable income.
“Use our Trenton Paycheck Calculator to estimate your take-home pay based on local taxes.”
“Compare with the New Jersey Paycheck Calculator for statewide salary estimates.”
“See how New Jersey Payroll Taxes impact your earnings in Trenton.”
“Check your deductions with the New Jersey Paycheck Deductions Calculator for accurate results.”
“Understand New Jersey Income Tax Brackets and how they affect your Trenton paycheck.”
“Explore how NJ-W4 Withholding Affects Your Paycheck to optimize your take-home pay.”
Juanita is the creator behind njpaycheckcalculator.org, dedicated to providing accurate and easy-to-use paycheck calculation tools for New Jersey residents. With a strong focus on clarity and reliability, she helps users understand their paychecks and tax deductions with confidence. Juanita is passionate about simplifying complex financial calculations, empowering users to make informed decisions about their income and budgeting.