That is still extremely high depending on where you are coming from. The US also uses a marginal tax system and the highest bracket is 39.6% and starts at ~$425k (varies based on how you are filing). ~$38-90k bracket is 25%.
So on 44999 You'd be paying 20% of (44999 - 11500) so 6700 on 44999 (effective rate been 14.8%).