P
Pulsafi

Social Security Tax Cap (2026)

$176,100
Maximum taxable Social Security earnings
Summary

The 2026 Social Security wage cap is $176,100 — earnings above this aren't subject to the 6.2% Social Security portion of FICA. Medicare's 1.45% applies to all earnings (no cap), plus an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax on wages above $200,000 (single) / $250,000 (MFJ). Total FICA on a $176,100 salary maxes at $13,475 employee + $13,475 employer.

Breakdown

Social Security cap$176,100
SS rate (employee)6.2%
Medicare rate (no cap)1.45%
Additional Medicare (over $200K)+0.9%
Max SS tax (employee)$10,918
Max FICA at $176,100$13,475
Source
Social Security Administration / IRS· As of 2026-Q1

Related stats

2026 Federal Tax Brackets (Single Filers)

More taxes stats

2026 Federal Tax Brackets (Single Filers)2026 Federal Tax Brackets (Married Filing Jointly)2026 Standard DeductionAverage Tax RefundAverage Effective Tax Rate by Income2026 Capital Gains Tax Rates
All Pulsafi stats are sourced from primary government data and major financial institutions. Read the full methodology and data-sources page.