If you earn a $5,000 paycheck in Arizona, you might be wondering how much of that actually reaches your bank account. The short answer: several layers of taxes come out—federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, and Arizona’s flat state tax. Let’s walk through the numbers with a real-world example.
Quick Answer Snapshot
On a $5,000 gross paycheck in Arizona, expect roughly $1,000–$1,100 withheld in total taxes, leaving you with about $3,900–$4,000 in take-home pay. The exact figure depends on your federal W-4 settings, Arizona Form A-4 choice, and any pre-tax deductions you’ve selected.
Federal Income Tax on a $5,000 Paycheck
Federal income tax is the largest variable because it depends on your W-4 form and filing status.
- For a single filer with no adjustments, withholding often falls between 10%–12% of gross pay.
- On $5,000, that’s about $500–$600.
FICA Taxes: Social Security and Medicare
Everyone pays FICA taxes, regardless of state:
- Social Security (6.2%): $5,000 × 6.2% = $310
- Medicare (1.45%): $5,000 × 1.45% = $72.50
- Total FICA: $382.50
If your annual earnings exceed $200,000, an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax may also apply, but not on a single $5,000 paycheck alone.
Arizona State Income Tax
Arizona has a flat 2.5% state income tax rate in 2025.
- $5,000 × 2.5% = $125 withheld.
Employees can adjust this through Form A-4, choosing a rate between 0.5% and 3.5%. If you don’t submit a form, your employer defaults to 2.0%.
Similar to closing costs on loans, even a small percentage makes a noticeable difference—see how this plays out with a land loan closing cost calculator.
Putting It All Together: $5,000 Paycheck Breakdown
Here’s how a typical Arizona paycheck might look before considering benefits or pre-tax deductions:
| Deduction Type | Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Federal Income Tax | $500–$600 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | $310 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | $72.50 |
| Arizona State Tax (2.5%) | $125 |
| Total Withheld | $1,007–$1,108 |
| Net Pay (Take-Home) | $3,892–$3,993 |
For long-term planning, tools like a land loan repayment schedule calculator show a similar breakdown of how payments and deductions add up over time.
Factors That Change the Withholding
Several things can shift your actual take-home pay:
- W-4 elections: Higher withholding allowances = less federal tax taken each paycheck.
- Arizona Form A-4: Choose a higher rate if you want more withheld upfront, or lower if you prefer bigger paychecks.
- Pre-tax deductions: 401(k) contributions, HSAs, and health insurance premiums reduce taxable income.
- Pay frequency: A $5,000 monthly paycheck is taxed differently than a $5,000 biweekly one due to annualization.
FAQs
How much is Social Security and Medicare on a $5,000 paycheck?
$310 for Social Security and $72.50 for Medicare, totaling $382.50.
What is Arizona’s state tax on a $5,000 paycheck?
Flat 2.5%, or $125 withheld.
Do I pay local income taxes in Arizona?
No. Arizona does not have city or county income taxes.
Can I reduce how much tax is taken out?
Yes, by adjusting your W-4 for federal withholding or selecting a lower percentage on Form A-4.
What’s my net pay from $5,000?
Usually between $3,890–$4,000, depending on your elections and deductions.
Harry is the creator of ArizonaPaycheckCalculator.com, a trusted resource for accurate and easy-to-use payroll and tax calculators. With a focus on clarity and precision, Harry helps Arizona residents understand their take-home pay, deductions, and withholdings. Dedicated to making complex calculations simple, he combines financial knowledge with user-friendly tools to save users time and confusion.