Federal income tax uses bracketed marginal rates — the rate you see on the bracket table only applies to the dollar above the threshold, never your whole salary.

FICA (Social Security 6.2% + Medicare 1.45%) is flat on the first ~$168,600 of wages and 1.45% on the rest. High earners pay an extra 0.9% Medicare surtax.

Pre-tax 401(k) and HSA contributions reduce taxable income — every $1 saved drops your tax bill by your marginal rate, often the cheapest ‘return’ available.