FICA — the Federal Insurance Contributions Act — is the combination of Social Security and Medicare taxes withheld from every paycheck. In 2026, employees pay 7.65% in FICA taxes, and employers pay an equal 7.65% match.
2026 FICA Tax Rates
| FICA Component | Employee Rate | Employer Rate | 2026 Wage Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Security (OASDI) | 6.2% | 6.2% | $176,100 |
| Medicare (HI) | 1.45% | 1.45% | No cap |
| Additional Medicare Tax | 0.9% | None | $200,000+ |
| Total FICA (most workers) | 7.65% | 7.65% |
How Much FICA Will You Pay in 2026?
| Annual Salary | Social Security | Medicare | Total FICA |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $2,480 | $580 | $3,060 |
| $60,000 | $3,720 | $870 | $4,590 |
| $80,000 | $4,960 | $1,160 | $6,120 |
| $100,000 | $6,200 | $1,450 | $7,650 |
| $150,000 | $9,300 | $2,175 | $11,475 |
| $176,100 | $10,918 | $2,553 | $13,472 |
| $200,000 | $10,918 | $2,900 | $13,818 |
What Does FICA Pay For?
Social Security (OASDI) — funds three programs: retirement benefits (you can start collecting at 62, full benefits at 67 for those born after 1960), disability insurance (SSDI), and survivors benefits for dependents.
Medicare (HI) — funds Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) for Americans 65 and older, and for younger people with certain disabilities. Medicare Part B, C, and D are funded separately through premiums.
The Social Security Wage Base ($176,100 in 2026)
Social Security tax is only collected on the first $176,100 of wages in 2026. Once you earn more than that in a calendar year, no further Social Security is withheld — but Medicare continues with no cap. At $176,100, you'll have paid exactly $10,918.20 in Social Security tax for the year.
Self-Employed FICA: The Full 15.3%
W-2 employees pay 7.65% — their employer pays the other 7.65%. Self-employed workers pay both halves: 15.3% total (12.4% SS + 2.9% Medicare) on net self-employment income. However, self-employed individuals can deduct half of SE tax (7.65%) as an above-the-line deduction on their federal return. Use the self-employment tax calculator for exact amounts.