Frequently asked questions
Your salary questions
The essential answers to understand your pay, without jargon.
How do you go from gross to net salary?
First you remove employee social contributions from the gross (about 22% for a non-manager, 25% for a manager) to get the net before tax. Then withholding tax is applied to reach the net after tax, the amount actually paid.
What percentage of gross is the net?
On average, the net before tax is about 78% of gross for a non-manager and 75% for a manager. After tax, the real net depends on your withholding rate.
What is the net minimum wage in 2026?
Since 1 June 2026, the French minimum wage (SMIC) is €1,867.02 gross per month full-time, i.e. about €1,477.93 net. The gross hourly rate is €12.31.
Does a manager earn less than a non-manager at the same gross?
In immediate net, slightly: the manager pays more for supplementary pension and the APEC levy. In return, they get a better pension and longer notice.
Does withholding tax change the amount of tax?
No. It is only a payment method spread over the year. The final calculation still relies on the progressive scale, with a reconciliation after the annual return.
Is overtime taxed?
Overtime benefits from reduced contributions and an income-tax exemption within an annual limit. It is therefore advantageous in net terms.
My salary is paid over 13 months: how do I compare?
Always convert to annual gross. A salary “over 13 months” spreads the same annual total across 13 payments: the base monthly figure is therefore lower than a 12-month salary with the same total.
Why does the result differ from my payslip?
Several things explain it: collective agreement, company health cover, meal vouchers, a personalised withholding rate or bonuses. The calculator gives a reliable but general estimate.
Another question?
The calculator answers the most important one: what you really earn.