SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/teen-fica-social-security-rate

What percent of your wages does an employee pay for Social Security tax?

Employees pay 6.2 percent for Social Security.

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  1. 1.45 percent
  2. 12.4 percent
  3. 6.2 percent ✔

Why: Employees pay 6.2 percent and employers pay a matching 6.2 percent. Together that is 12.4 percent, but your share is only half.

Huh, didn't know that: For 2026 earnings, the Social Security wage base limit is $184,500, and the limit changes over time.

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My employer matches my Social Security tax. Sadly not my dessert order.
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References

Answer: 6.2 percent. Employees pay 6.2 percent and employers pay a matching 6.2 percent. Together that is 12.4 percent, but your share is only half.

  1. IRS Tax Topic 751: Social Security and Medicare withholding rates www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc751
    The current tax rate for Social Security is 6.2% for the employer and 6.2% for the employee, or 12.4% total.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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