Reference · Legal limits
U.S. Social Security earnings limits for 2026 and 2027
The 2027 Social Security taxable wage maximum is USD 192,300. The earnings test for people receiving retirement benefits uses different limits before full retirement age.
Sources checked
2026
Shared scale · 0 USD to 192,300 USD
2027
Shared scale · 0 USD to 192,300 USD
Switch between 2026 and 2027 to compare the annual payroll and retirement earnings limits.
The taxable maximum rises USD 7,800
The Social Security portion of payroll tax applies up to USD 184,500 of covered earnings in 2026 and USD 192,300 in 2027. The administration lists a 6.2% employee Social Security rate on earnings up to that limit. It separately lists no taxable earnings maximum for Medicare. Source 1
A lower earnings test applies below full retirement age all year
The 2027 exempt amount for someone under full retirement age all year is USD 25,560, up from USD 24,480. The Social Security Administration says it withholds USD 1 in benefits for each USD 2 of earnings above the applicable limit. This is a benefit rule. Source 1
A different test applies in the year full retirement age is reached
The 2027 exempt amount in that year is USD 67,920, up from USD 65,160. It covers only earnings in months before the person reaches full retirement age. The administration lists USD 1 withheld for each USD 3 of earnings above the limit in that period. Source 1
The earnings test ends in the month full retirement age is reached
The fact sheet lists no earnings test limit beginning with the month a person reaches full retirement age. The taxable earnings maximum continues to describe the Social Security payroll tax base. The two limits answer different questions for someone working while receiving benefits. Source 1