Is Going Back to Work
Worth It?
Enter your numbers and instantly see your real take-home pay after child care, taxes, and work expenses.
Your Income
Tell us about your salary and work schedule
Pre-Tax Deductions
Child Care Costs
Include all regular and occasional care expenses
Work-Related Expenses
The hidden costs of going back to work
Tax Benefits & Credits
Offsets that reduce your net child care cost
Dependent Care FSA (DCFSA)
Pre-tax savings up to $5,000/year through your employer
Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit
Federal credit: 20–35% on up to $3,000 (1 child) / $6,000 (2+ children)
Live Results
per month after all costs & taxes
Effective Hourly Wage
$26.68/hr
what you actually earn per hour
Where Your Income Goes
Monthly Breakdown
Breakeven Salary
$0/year
Minimum gross salary needed to break even after all costs
Annual Summary
Estimates use 2024 federal tax brackets and a ~5% average state tax. Consult a tax professional for personalized advice.
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