Quick Answer
California PFL deduction is 0.9% of your wages up to $176,100 in 2026. For someone earning $60,000, this equals $540 per year or about $20.77 per biweekly paycheck. The maximum annual deduction is $1,585.
Best Answer
Sarah Chen, Payroll Tax Analyst
Covers the basics of California PFL rates, calculation, and what benefits it provides
How much does California PFL cost per paycheck?
California Paid Family Leave (PFL) costs 0.9% of your wages up to the Social Security wage base of $176,100 in 2026. This means you'll pay PFL tax on every dollar you earn up to that limit, then nothing beyond it.
For most employees, this works out to a relatively small deduction per paycheck. Here's how it breaks down:
Example: $60,000 salary with biweekly pay
PFL deduction by income level
Key factors that affect your PFL deduction
What PFL benefits provide
According to California's Employment Development Department (EDD), PFL provides:
What you should do
Check your pay stub to confirm the PFL deduction matches 0.9% of your gross wages. If you have multiple California jobs, track your total wages to know when you'll hit the $176,100 cap and stop paying PFL tax. Use our paycheck calculator to see exactly how PFL affects your take-home pay.
Key takeaway: California PFL costs 0.9% of wages up to $176,100, capping at $1,585 annually. For a $60,000 salary, expect about $21 per biweekly paycheck.
Key Takeaway: California PFL costs 0.9% of wages up to $176,100, capping at $1,585 annually. For a $60,000 salary, expect about $21 per biweekly paycheck.
California PFL deduction by salary level showing annual and per-paycheck costs
| Annual Salary | Annual PFL | Biweekly PFL | Weekly PFL |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $360 | $13.85 | $6.92 |
| $60,000 | $540 | $20.77 | $10.38 |
| $80,000 | $720 | $27.69 | $13.85 |
| $100,000 | $900 | $34.62 | $17.31 |
| $150,000 | $1,350 | $51.92 | $25.96 |
| $200,000+ | $1,585 | $60.96 | $30.48 |
More Perspectives
Sarah Chen, Payroll Tax Analyst
Explains what PFL is and why it appears on your first California paycheck
What is this PFL deduction on my paycheck?
If this is your first job in California, you might be surprised to see "CA PFL" or "CA Paid Family Leave" deducted from your paycheck. This is a mandatory state program that all California employees pay into.
How much will it cost me?
On an entry-level salary, PFL is usually a small deduction:
Why am I paying this?
PFL is insurance for life events you might face later:
Will I ever stop paying PFL?
Yes, but only if you earn over $176,100 in a year. At that point, you've paid the maximum ($1,585) and PFL deductions stop for the rest of that calendar year.
Key takeaway: PFL is a small insurance premium (0.9% of wages) that provides valuable benefits if you need time off for family reasons later in your career.
Key Takeaway: PFL is a small insurance premium (0.9% of wages) that provides valuable benefits if you need time off for family reasons later in your career.
Sources
- California Employment Development Department - PFL — Official California PFL rates and benefit information
- IRS Publication 15 — Employer's Tax Guide covering state payroll tax requirements
Reviewed by Sarah Chen, Payroll Tax Analyst on February 28, 2026
This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.