How Much Is $21,000 Annually After Taxes in Kentucky?
Kentucky Take-Home Pay on $21,000
Your Year Take-Home Pay
$16,266
Gross Income
$21,000
Total Tax (23%)
$4,735
Where Your $21,000 Salary Goes
If you earn $21,000 a year in Kentucky, United States, your estimated taxes come to $4,735. That leaves you with a net income of about $16,266 per year, or $1,355 per month. Your average tax rate is 22.5%, and your marginal tax rate is 12.0%. This means any additional income is taxed at that higher rate—for example, an extra $100 in earnings would result in about $88 in take-home pay.
2025 Tax Brackets for $21,000 in Kentucky
US Federal Income Tax
| Income Range | Rate | Tax |
|---|---|---|
| $0 - $11,600 | 10% | $1,160 |
| $11,600 - $47,150 You | 12% | $1,128 |
| $47,150 - $100,525 | 22% | $0 |
Kentucky State Income Tax
| Income Range | Rate | Tax |
|---|---|---|
| $0 - $100,000 You | 4% | $840 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is $21,000 a year after taxes in Kentucky in 2025?
Based on our 2025 estimate for a single filer in Kentucky using the standard deduction:
Total estimated taxes: about $4,735
Estimated take-home pay: about $16,266 per year
This includes federal income tax, Kentucky state income tax, and payroll taxes (Social Security and Medicare). Your actual results may vary if you have additional deductions, credits, or other income sources.
How much will I take home per month on $21,000 in Kentucky?
With an estimated annual net income of $16,266, your take-home pay works out to roughly:
$1,355 per month
$626 every two weeks
$313 per week
These numbers are based on a single filer in Kentucky with the standard deduction and no additional adjustments.
Is $21,000 a good salary in Kentucky?
$21,000 is below average in Kentucky.
Here's why:
The median income in Kentucky is approximately $56,066.
At $21,000, you're at the 10th percentile, meaning you earn more than about 10% of workers statewide.
Check the income distribution chart on this page to see exactly where your salary stands.
How much is $21,000 a year per hour?
If you work full time (40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year), $21,000 equals:
Before taxes: $10/hour
After taxes: $8/hour
Other period conversions:
Weekly: $404 gross / $313 net
Bi-weekly: $808 gross / $626 net
Monthly: $1,750 gross / $1,355 net
Your after-tax hourly pay is lower once federal, state, and payroll taxes are deducted.
How Your Income Compares in Kentucky
This shows the income distribution in Kentucky. Incomes range from $38,208 (10th percentile) to $82,257 (90th percentile). Your income is $21,000. Half of all earners make between $45,800 and $68,337.
P10
$38,208
P25
$45,800
P50
$56,066
P75
$68,337
P90
$82,257
Your income
$21,000
vs Median
-$35,066
Your Income Percentile
Entry level income range
Low
$45,800
Median
$56,066
High
$68,337
Your income of $21,000 is in the 10th percentile for Kentucky. The median income is $56,066. The top 25% earn above $68,337.
Tax Impact at Different Income Levels in Kentucky
At your current income of $21,000, your effective tax rate is 22.5%. If you doubled your income, your take-home would be $32,299 with an effective rate of 23.1%. Due to progressive tax rates, earning more means a higher percentage goes to taxes.
| Level | Gross | Tax | Net | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Half | $10,500 | -$2,273 | $8,227 | 21.6% |
75% | $15,750 | -$3,493 | $12,257 | 22.2% |
Current | $21,000 | -$4,735 | $16,266 | 22.5% |
+25% | $26,250 | -$5,976 | $20,274 | 22.8% |
+50% | $31,500 | -$7,218 | $24,282 | 22.9% |
Double | $42,000 | -$9,701 | $32,299 | 23.1% |
Take-home pay comparison
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This calculator offers estimates using current tax rates and standard deductions. It does not account for local taxes, itemized deductions, tax credits, or employer-paid taxes. For personalized guidance, please consult a tax professional. If you spot any issues, feel free to contact us to report them.