Question 1

How does the calculator estimate my take-home pay?

Accepted Answer

It takes your hourly rate and hours (including overtime), adds your stipends and any bonuses, then subtracts estimated federal tax, state tax, and FICA. What's left is your estimated weekly net pay.

Question 2

Where does the tax data come from?

Accepted Answer

Official IRS federal tax brackets, plus 2026 state tax data for all 50 states and DC. States with no income tax (like Texas and Florida) show $0 state tax.

Question 3

What is a "blended rate"?

Accepted Answer

Your total weekly pay — wages, stipends, and bonuses — divided by your hours. It's the number recruiters usually quote. But two jobs with the same blended rate can pay very differently once you break out how much is stipend vs. taxable wage.

Question 4

What do the GSA cap warnings mean?

Accepted Answer

The IRS only treats stipends as tax-free up to a "reasonable" amount, based on GSA per diem rates for that location. If a contract's stipends go above that cap, we flag it — it's a sign the package could get more scrutiny in an audit.

Question 5

What does "tax home" mean, and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

It's the home base you maintain and pay for even while traveling. Without one, the IRS can treat your stipends as taxable — costing you hundreds a week. We show both scenarios, but whether you actually qualify is something to check with a tax pro.

Question 6

What is the audit-risk score?

Accepted Answer

A simple flag based on things the IRS looks for: stipends above the cap, stipends making up too much of your pay, unusually low wages, or no tax home. It's meant to help you spot risky-looking contracts — not predict an actual audit.

Question 7

How does the staff job comparison work?

Accepted Answer

We apply the same tax math to your staff salary, subtract cost-of-living essentials and health insurance, add your 401(k) match, and compare real take-home pay — not just gross salary.

Question 8

Where do the cost-of-living numbers come from?

Accepted Answer

Trusted sources: the MERIC/C2ER Cost of Living Index, rent data, and BLS spending surveys. These are state averages, so you can add your own extra costs (parking, meals, travel) for a more personal estimate.

Question 9

Why isn't there a pay comparison for my specialty or state?

Accepted Answer

We only show comparisons where we have real data. If we don't have solid numbers for your specialty or state, we'd rather show nothing than guess.

Question 10

Is this tax or financial advice?

Accepted Answer

No. This is an estimate based on public data and general assumptions — it doesn't know your full situation. Always confirm with a qualified tax professional before signing a contract or making tax decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions