How much money is taken out of your first paycheck?
Ava Mcdaniel
Updated on February 28, 2026
You'll see 6.2% withheld from your paycheck for Social Security, plus another 1.45% for Medicare. Your employer pays an equivalent share, for a total 15.3%. Pretax items like health-care premiums and 401(k) contributions can also be deducted from your paycheck.