401(k) Contribution Calculator

Find your optimal 401(k) contribution to capture the full employer match and maximize tax savings.

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% of your contribution matched (e.g., 100% = dollar for dollar)

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Employer matches up to this % of your salary

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Your federal + state marginal rate

years
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Your Annual Contribution

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To 401k

Employer Match

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Free money per year

Annual Tax Savings

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vs not contributing

Balance at Age 65

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Projected value

2025 Contribution Limits

Account 2025 Limit 50+ Catch-Up
401(k) / 403(b)$23,500$31,000
Traditional IRA$7,000$8,000
Roth IRA$7,000$8,000
HSA (single)$4,300$5,300

The Power of Employer Match

If your employer matches 100% up to 3% of your salary, and you earn $70,000, they'll contribute up to $2,100/year. That's a 100% instant return on that portion of your contribution. Never leave this on the table.

Contribution Rate by Income

  • Emergency fund first — 3-6 months expenses
  • Capture full employer match (priority #1)
  • Pay off high-interest debt (>7% APR)
  • Max Roth IRA ($7,000)
  • Max 401(k) ($23,500)
  • Taxable investing for anything above

Related Guides

Related Data

See how your salary compares to occupation benchmarks across 831 jobs at WageDex. Plan retirement income alongside Social Security with state pension data at PlainPension.

Disclaimer: Tax treatment depends on account type and your specific situation. Consult a financial advisor or tax professional for personalized advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 401(k) contribution limit for 2025?
The 2025 employee contribution limit is $23,500 ($31,000 if age 50+ with catch-up contribution). The total contribution limit (employee + employer) is $70,000. Many employers offer 3-6% matching — always contribute at least enough to capture the full match. That's a 50-100% instant return on investment.
Traditional 401(k) vs Roth 401(k)?
Traditional: contributions are pre-tax (lower your taxable income now), but withdrawals are taxed in retirement. Roth: contributions are after-tax, but qualified withdrawals are completely tax-free. If you expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement, Roth is better. If you're in a high bracket now, Traditional saves more today.
What happens to my 401(k) when I change jobs?
You own all contributions you made. Employer contributions vest on a schedule (typically 2-6 years, or "cliff" at 3 years). When you leave: roll over to new employer's plan or IRA, leave it in the old plan (if allowed), or cash out (triggers 10% penalty + income tax if under 59½ — avoid this).
How much should I contribute to my 401(k)?
At minimum: contribute enough to get the full employer match. Target: 15% of gross salary including employer match. If starting late (over 40): consider maximizing contributions ($23,500+). Rule of thumb: every 1% increase in contribution rate on a $60,000 salary adds ~$170,000 to retirement savings over 30 years at 7% returns.

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