2026 401k Contribution Limits
- Employee limit: $23,500/year ($1,958/month)
- Catch-up (age 50+): +$7,500 = $31,000/year
- Super catch-up (age 60-63): +$11,250 = $34,750/year
- Total with employer match: up to $70,000/year
The Power of Employer Matching
Employer matching is a 100% instant return on your contribution. Never leave it on the table.
- Common match: 100% of first 3% of salary
- On $80,000 salary: employer adds $2,400/year free
- Over 30 years at 7% return: that $2,400/yr match grows to ~$226,000
Growth Projection Examples
| Monthly Contribution | 30 Years @7% | 30 Years @8% |
|---|---|---|
| $200/mo | $242,887 | $272,681 |
| $500/mo | $607,176 | $681,853 |
| $1,000/mo | $1,214,363 | $1,363,707 |
| $1,958/mo | $2,377,403 | $2,668,839 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I contribute to my 401k in 2026?
At minimum, contribute enough to get the full employer match. Ideally, aim for 15% of gross income including the match. The 2026 employee limit is $23,500.
What is a good 401k balance at 40?
A common benchmark is 3× your annual salary by age 40. If you earn $70,000, aim for $210,000 in retirement savings by 40.
Traditional vs Roth 401k — which is better?
Traditional 401k: pre-tax contributions, pay taxes in retirement. Roth 401k: after-tax contributions, tax-free in retirement. If you expect to be in a higher bracket in retirement, Roth often wins.
Ready to calculate?
Use our free calculator — instant results, no login needed.
Project My Retirement Balance