Quick Answer
New York PFL deduction is 0.455% of your wages up to $142,800 in 2026, with a maximum annual cost of $650. For someone earning $70,000, this equals $318.50 per year or about $12.25 per biweekly paycheck.
Best Answer
Sarah Chen, Payroll Tax Analyst
Complete explanation of NY PFL rates, calculation, wage cap, and benefit details
How much does New York PFL cost?
New York Paid Family Leave (PFL) costs 0.455% of your wages up to the state average weekly wage cap of $142,800 in 2026. This rate is significantly lower than California's PFL but covers similar family leave benefits.
Unlike federal taxes, NY PFL has a relatively low wage cap, meaning higher earners stop paying this tax partway through the year.
Example: $70,000 salary calculation
NY PFL deduction by income level
*Higher earners stop paying PFL once wages hit $142,800
Key differences from other states
What NY PFL benefits provide
According to New York State's Paid Family Leave program:
How the wage cap works
If you earn over $142,800, you'll notice PFL deductions stop once your year-to-date wages hit that threshold:
What you should do
Monitor your pay stub to ensure PFL deductions match 0.455% of your gross wages. If you're a high earner, track when you hit the $142,800 cap to budget for the slight increase in take-home pay. For job changes, remember each employer calculates the cap separately.
Key takeaway: NY PFL costs 0.455% of wages up to $142,800, with a maximum annual cost of $650. Most employees pay $10-25 per paycheck depending on salary level.
Key Takeaway: NY PFL costs 0.455% of wages up to $142,800, with a maximum annual cost of $650. Most employees pay $10-25 per paycheck depending on salary level.
New York PFL deduction by salary level showing annual costs and when high earners stop paying
| Annual Salary | Annual PFL | Biweekly PFL | Monthly PFL | When Deductions Stop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $182 | $7.00 | $15.17 | Never (below cap) |
| $60,000 | $273 | $10.50 | $22.75 | Never (below cap) |
| $80,000 | $364 | $14.00 | $30.33 | Never (below cap) |
| $100,000 | $455 | $17.50 | $37.92 | Never (below cap) |
| $142,800 | $650 | $25.00 | $54.17 | End of year |
| $180,000 | $650 | Varies | Varies | Around October |
More Perspectives
Sarah Chen, Payroll Tax Analyst
Focuses on what PFL means for new workers and how it compares to other deductions
What is NY PFL on my paycheck?
New York Paid Family Leave (PFL) is a state insurance program that all New York employees pay into. If you're new to working in NY, this deduction might seem confusing, but it's providing valuable insurance coverage.
How much will I pay?
On an entry-level salary, NY PFL is one of the smaller deductions:
Compare this to your federal income tax or even NY state income tax, and PFL is relatively minor.
What am I getting for this money?
PFL is insurance that kicks in when you need time off for family reasons:
Will this deduction ever change?
Your PFL rate (0.455%) stays the same, but the deduction stops if you ever earn over $142,800 in a year. For most entry-level positions, you'll pay PFL on every paycheck throughout the year.
Key takeaway: NY PFL is a small insurance premium (under $10/paycheck for most entry-level jobs) that provides up to 12 weeks of paid family leave at 67% of your wages.
Key Takeaway: NY PFL is a small insurance premium (under $10/paycheck for most entry-level jobs) that provides up to 12 weeks of paid family leave at 67% of your wages.
Sources
- New York State Paid Family Leave — Official NY PFL rates, benefits, and eligibility requirements
- 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.