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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 93 (from laksa141)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa093.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/average-401k-match\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/average-401k-match\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/smart-money\/average-401k-match","crawl_time":1775899449,"first_indexed_time":1689248192,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,fidelity!www,\/learning-center\/smart-money\/average-401k-match s443","src_root_hash":"17952695050214760493","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"How does a 401(k) match work? | Average 401(k) match | Fidelity","meta_descriptions":["A 401(k) match is money that your company agrees to put into your 401(k) for each dollar you do yourself. Here's what you need to know to take advantage of it, as well as the average 401(k) match you might expect to see."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"It's like free money you don't want to miss out on.\nKey takeaways\nA 401(k) match is when an employer puts money in an employee's retirement account based on what the employee contributes.\nMatch formulas vary, but a common setup is for employers to contribute $1 for every $1 an employee contributes up to 3% of their salary, then 50 cents on the dollar for the next 2% of an employee's salary.\nIdeally, workers should aim to save 15% of their pre-tax income each year, including any match.\nAn employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k), can help build your retirement savings in 2 ways: Not only can you put money aside from your own paycheck, but you could also get extra money from your employer through a match. Here's how a 401(k) match works along with the average 401(k) match, according to Fidelity data.\n1\nWhat is a 401(k) match?\nA 401(k) match is when your employer contributes money in your 401(k) account to reflect the contributions you've made out of your compensation, like salary and bonuses. Other employer retirement plans, like a\n403(b)\n, work the same way.\nEmployers offer 401(k) matches as an extra form of compensation to attract and retain employees and to encourage saving for retirement. In addition to (or in place of) 401(k) matches, employers may also choose to make nonmatching, or profit-sharing, contributions to your 401(k), even if you don't contribute yourself.\nMore than 85%\n2\nof\n401(k) plans\nfor which Fidelity is the service provider offer some type of employer contribution, according to Mike Shamrell, vice president of Thought Leadership at Fidelity. \"As the largest service provider in the country with around 25,000 plans as of March 2025, our numbers are viewed as a good indicator of what's going on across the retirement landscape,\" he says.\nHow does a 401(k) match work?\nYour employer determines how your 401(k) match will work, but they usually follow a formula of putting in a dollar or a portion of one for each dollar you contribute. If you have a full match, that means 100% of your contributions will be matched dollar-for-dollar. If you have a partial match, such as 50%, your employer will put in 50 cents for every dollar you contribute. Some employers use a combination of both the full and partial match. Your employer also chooses how much of your contributions they will match based on a percentage of your salary.\nFor example, a 401(k) plan might use the following setup: Your employer matches dollar-for-dollar until you've contributed 3% of your salary. Then they match 50 cents of every dollar up to another 2% of your salary. Any contributions you make above 5% of your salary will not be matched.\nNote that any employer match doesn't count toward an individual's 401(k) annual contribution limit ($23,500 in 2025 for those under 50, $31,000 for those ages 50 to 59 and 64 and up, and $34,750 for those ages 60 to 63, if your plan allows this higher catch-up contribution). However, the combined employer match and employee contribution in 2025 cannot exceed $70,000 for those under 50, $77,500 for those 50 to 59 or 64 and older, and $81,250 for those 60 to 63 if your plan allows this higher catch-up limit.\nWhat is the average 401(k) match?\nThe most common 401(k) match formula on plans at Fidelity is a dollar-for-dollar match on the first 3% and then 50 cents on the dollar on the next 2%, according to Shamrell. So if an employee contributes 5% of their salary, they effectively get another 4% from their employer (3% + 1%, or half of 2% = 4%).\nIt's important to note that not all workers contribute enough to get the entire match. According to Fidelity data,\n3\nhere's how much employers end up putting in per employee on average, including nonmatching contributions, broken down by age:\n20–29: 4.1%\n30–39: 4.7%\n40–49: 5.1%\n50–59: 5.2%\n60–69: 5.2%\n70+: 4.6%\nOverall average: 4.8%\nThe actual overall average employer contribution is also 4.8%, higher than the 4% offered by the typical plan. This is because some companies offer much more generous plans, which pushes up the average employer 401(k) contribution.\nKeep in mind that across all ages, the average amount an employer contributes as a match can be skewed by employees who save a lot for retirement in their workplace plans. In other words, a handful of employees contributing a high percentage to their 401(k)s could make it look like more people reached a match percentage than in fact did. This is especially true, Shamrell notes, when considering data that includes young employees, who tend to contribute less overall to their 401(k)s and are potentially missing out on more possible matching dollars than older employees.\n\"The good news is that as of March 2025, 17% of employees overall in plans for which Fidelity is the service provider increased their contribution rate,\" he says. Gen Z (19%) and Milliennial (18%) workers led the way.\n4\nHow to make the most of your 401(k) match\nIf your employer offers a 401(k) match, it's a good idea to try to make the most of this free money. Consider these tips:\nTry to get the full match.\nIdeally, you'd save enough for retirement to get the full 401(k) match, but Shamrell realizes this isn't always possible. \"While we encourage you not to leave money on the table, we understand everyone has their own personal situation,\" he says. Do your best to\nbudget\nand get as much of the match as possible, given your other financial needs.\nWatch out for vesting schedules.\nEmployers offer 401(k) matches to hang onto employees because of a process called \"vesting,\" which requires you to stay at your job for a certain amount of time in order to keep the full match. For example, you might be entitled to 100% of an employer match if you've stayed 3 years, but none if you leave before then. Another variation of a vesting schedule is earning 20% of an employer match for every year you stay, so you receive 100% of the match once you've stayed for 5 years. Check your plan's rules if you're thinking of changing jobs. Note that any contributions you make are 100% yours.\nUnderstand your company matching schedule.\nShamrell suggests checking when your employer makes matching contributions. It can have a bigger impact than you might think. \"Some will do it twice a year,\" he explains. \"Others, every 2 weeks for every paycheck.\" If you don't make a 401(k) contribution according to the schedule, you could lose out on matching funds. For example, let's say you max out contributions early in the year. If your employer matches per pay period, you may miss out on the match for the rest of the year because you're no longer making contributions. Because of this, some companies offer what's called a true-up, which is when they make up the difference if you didn't get the full annual match because you maxed out your 401(k) too early.\nBe aware of HCE.\nIn some cases, you may not be eligible for a full employer match if you qualify as a highly compensated employee (HCE), which the IRS defines as someone who owns more than 5% of a company or whose compensation exceeds a set dollar limit and puts them in the top 20% of earners at their employer. This is a lookback provision, meaning qualification as an HCE for the current year is based on compensation received the previous year. In 2024, the\nHCE threshold\nOpens in a new window\nwas $155,000 in compensation; in 2025, you are considered an HCE if you make at least $160,000. The maximum income an employer can match is $350,000 in 2025, so if you make more than that, you may not get the entire employer match.\nConsider saving beyond the match.\nOnce you're contributing enough to get your employer match, consider saving even more.\nFidelity suggests saving 15%\nof your pre-tax income for retirement, which includes the match. If your employer gives you 6%, ideally you would put aside 9% of your salary to hit the target (6% from your employer + your 9% = 15%).\nWhat to do if you don't have access to a 401(k) match\nIf you don't have access to a 401(k) match, Shamrell says to still try saving 15% of your pre-tax income. Because you're reaching for the target without the extra cash infusion from your employer, \"you're going to need to save a bit more aggressively if you can,\" he says. These \ntips\n might help you find ways to hit the 15% number yourself.\nCheck out your workplace benefits\nFor easy access to your workplace benefits with Fidelity, log in to NetBenefits\n®\n.\nMore to explore\nConsider an IRA\nTake advantage of potential tax-deferred or tax-free growth.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/smart-money\/average-401k-match#navSkipToContent)\n\n[Fidelity.com Home](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/)\n\n[Log in](https:\/\/digital.fidelity.com\/prgw\/digital\/login\/full-page)\n\n- [Accounts & Trade]()\n  - [Portfolio](https:\/\/digital.fidelity.com\/prgw\/digital\/login\/full-page?AuthRedUrl=https:\/\/digital.fidelity.com\/ftgw\/digital\/portfolio\/summary)\n  - [Account Positions](https:\/\/digital.fidelity.com\/ftgw\/digital\/portfolio\/positions)\n  - [Trade](https:\/\/digital.fidelity.com\/ftgw\/digital\/trade-equity\/index\/orderEntry)\n  - [Fidelity Trader+ Web](https:\/\/digital.fidelity.com\/ftgw\/digital\/trader-dashboard)\n  - 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[Documents](https:\/\/digital.fidelity.com\/ftgw\/digital\/portfolio\/documents)\n  - [Tax Forms & Information](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/tax-information\/overview)\n  - [Retirement Distributions](https:\/\/digital.fidelity.com\/ftgw\/digital\/mrdhub)\n  - [Refer a Friend](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/customer-service\/friendsandfamily3a)\n- [Investing]()\n  - [Self Directed Investing](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/investing\/trading)\n  - [Advanced Trading](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/investing\/advanced-trading)\n  - [Investing for a Child](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/investing\/investing-for-kids)\n  - [Managing Cash & Credit](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/investing\/manage-cash-credit-lending)\n  - [Investment Accounts & Products](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/investing\/investment-accounts)\n  - [Investing & Trading Education](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/personal-finance\/investing-trading-education)\n- [Retirement]()\n  - [Retirement Planning](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/retirement\/retirement-planning)\n  - [401(k) Rollovers & IRA Transfers](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/retirement\/401k-rollover)\n  - [Retirement Accounts](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/retirement\/retirement-accounts)\n  - [Retirement Education](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/personal-finance\/retirement-education)\n- [Wealth Management]()\n  - [Wealth Management Offerings](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/wealth\/wealth-management-offerings)\n  - [Financial Advisors](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/wealth\/financial-advisors)\n  - [Financial Planning](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/wealth\/financial-planning)\n  - [Investment Management](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/wealth\/investment-management)\n  - [Wealth Management Insights](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/wealth-management-insights)\n- [News & Research]()\n  - [News](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/news\/overview)\n  - [Wealth Management Insights](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/wealth-management-insights)\n  - [Watchlist](https:\/\/digital.fidelity.com\/ftgw\/digital\/watwebex)\n  - [Alerts](https:\/\/alertable.fidelity.com\/ftgw\/digital\/alerts)\n  - [Stocks, ETFs, Crypto](https:\/\/digital.fidelity.com\/prgw\/digital\/research\/src)\n  - [Mutual Funds](https:\/\/fundresearch.fidelity.com\/fund-screener)\n  - [Fixed Income, Bonds & CDs](https:\/\/fixedincome.fidelity.com\/ftgw\/fi\/FILanding)\n  - [Options](https:\/\/digital.fidelity.com\/ftgw\/digital\/options-home\/)\n  - [IPOs](https:\/\/brokerage.fidelity.com\/ftgw\/brkg\/ipo\/calendar)\n  - [Annuities](https:\/\/fundresearch.fidelity.com\/fund-screener\/annuities\/)\n  - [Learn](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/overview)\n\n## Learn\n- [Learn](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/overview)\n- [Favorites](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/favorites)\n- Topics\n  - Financial essentials\n    - [Saving and budgeting money](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/personal-finance\/saving-and-budgeting-money \"Saving and budgeting money\")\n    - [Managing debt](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/personal-finance\/managing-debt \"Managing debt\")\n    - [Saving for retirement](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/personal-finance\/retirement\/saving-for-retirement \"Saving for retirement\")\n    - [Working and income](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/personal-finance\/working-and-income \"Working and income\")\n    - [Managing health care](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/personal-finance\/managing-health-care \"Managing health care\")\n    - [Talking to family about money](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/personal-finance\/talking-to-family-about-money \"Talking to family about money\")\n    - [Personal finance for students](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/personal-finance\/personal-finance-for-students \"Personal finance for students\")\n    - [Managing taxes](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/personal-finance\/managing-taxes\/managing-taxes \"Managing taxes\")\n    - [Managing estate planning](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/personal-finance\/managing-estate-planning \"Managing estate planning\")\n    - [Making charitable donations](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/personal-finance\/charitable-giving\/making-charitable-donations \"Making charitable donations\")\n  - Life events\n    - [Changing jobs](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/life-events\/career-planning \"Changing jobs\")\n    - [Planning for college](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/life-events\/prepare-for-college \"Planning for college\")\n    - [Getting divorced](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/life-events\/getting-divorced \"Getting divorced\")\n    - [Becoming a parent](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/life-events\/parenting \"Becoming a parent\")\n    - [Caring for aging loved ones](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/life-events\/caring-for-the-aging \"Caring for aging loved ones\")\n    - [Marriage and partnering](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/life-events\/marriage \"Marriage and partnering\")\n    - [Buying or selling a house](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/life-events\/selling-and-buying-house \"Buying or selling a house\")\n    - [Retiring](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/personal-finance\/retirement\/planning-your-retirement \"Retiring\")\n    - [Losing a loved one](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/life-events\/loss-of-loved-one \"Losing a loved one\")\n    - [Making a major purchase](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/life-events\/major-purchase \"Making a major purchase&#9;\")\n    - [Experiencing illness or injury](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/life-events\/injury-and-illness \"Experiencing illness or injury\")\n    - [Disabilities and special needs](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/life-events\/disabilities-and-special-needs \"Disabilities and special needs\")\n    - [Aging well](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/life-events\/aging-well \"Aging well\")\n    - [Becoming self-employed](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/life-events\/how-to-become-self-employed \"Becoming self-employed\")\n  - Investing and trading\n    - [Investing for beginners](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/trading-investing\/investing-for-beginners \"Investing for beginners\")\n    - [Trading for beginners](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/trading-investing\/trading-for-beginners \"Trading for beginners\")\n    - [Crypto basics](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/trading-investing\/crypto\/crypto-for-beginners \"Crypto basics\")\n    - [Crypto: Beyond the basics](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/trading-investing\/crypto\/crypto-advanced \"Crypto: Beyond the basics\")\n    - [Alternative investing](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/trading-investing\/alternative-investing \"Alternative investing\")\n    - [Exploring stocks and sectors](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/trading-investing\/finding-stocks-and-sector-ideas \"Exploring stocks and sectors\")\n    - [Investing for income](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/trading-investing\/investing-for-income \"Investing for income\")\n    - [Analyzing stock fundamentals](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/trading-investing\/fundamental-analysis\/analyzing-stock-fundamentals \"Analyzing stock fundamentals\")\n    - [Using technical analysis](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/trading-investing\/technical-analysis\/using-technical-analysis \"Using technical analysis\")\n  - Investment products\n    - [ETFs](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/investment-products\/etf\/etfs \"ETFs\")\n    - [Mutual funds](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/investment-products\/mutual-funds\/mutual-funds \"Mutual funds \")\n    - [Stocks](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/investment-products\/stocks\/stocks \"Stocks\")\n    - [Fixed income, bonds, CDs](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/investment-products\/fixed-income-bonds\/fixed-income-bonds-cds \"Fixed income, bonds, CDs\")\n    - [Annuities](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/investment-products\/annuities \"Annuities\")\n    - [Closed-end funds](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/investment-products\/closed-end-funds\/closed-end-funds \"Closed-end funds\")\n  - Advanced trading\n    - [Using margin](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/trading-investing\/using-margin \"Using margin\")\n    - [Options trading basics](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/investment-products\/options\/options-for-beginners \"Options trading basics\")\n    - [Options: Beyond the basics](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/investment-products\/options\/options \"Options: Beyond the basics\")\n    - [Advanced trading strategies](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/trading-investing\/more-trading-strategies \"Advanced trading strategies\")\n    - [Using Fidelity Trader+](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/trading-investing\/trading-platforms\/using-trader-plus \"Using Fidelity Trader+\")\n    - [Options Strategy Guide](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/investment-products\/options\/options-strategy-guide\/overview \"Options Strategy Guide\")\n    - [Technical Indicator Guide](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/trading-investing\/technical-analysis\/technical-indicator-guide\/overview \"Technical Indicator Guide\")\n  - [Latest Market Insights](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/viewpoints\/market-and-economic-insights\/market-volatility-overview \"Latest Market Insights\")\n  - [Viewpoints: Expert insights](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/viewpoints \"Viewpoints: Expert insights\")\n  - [Smart Money: Tips and tactics](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/smart-money \"Smart Money: Tips and tactics\")\n  - [Money Unscripted](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/money-unscripted \"Money Unscripted\")\n  - [The Trading Post](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/trading-post \"The Trading Post\")\n  - [Women Talk Money](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/women-talk-money \"Women Talk Money\")\n  - [Wealth Management Insights](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/wealth-management-insights \"Wealth Management Insights\")\n- Events\n  - [Upcoming events](https:\/\/fidelityevents.com\/allevents\/special \"Upcoming events\")\n  - [On-demand webinars](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/events\/investing-webinars \"On-demand webinars\")\n  - [Market briefings](https:\/\/fidelityevents.com\/allevents\/filtered?hubFilter=tags|Coaching,Market%20Analysis#hub \"Market briefings\")\n  - [Market Sense](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/live-pi \"Market Sense\")\n  - [Trading Strategy Desk® coaching](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/events\/coaching-sessions \"Trading Strategy Desk® coaching\")\n  - [Trading Strategy Desk® classes](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/events\/virtual-classrooms \"Trading Strategy Desk® classes\")\n- Search\n\nJune 30, 2025\n\n![Estimate Time](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/bin-public\/600_Fidelity_Com_English\/images\/article\/time-clock-circle.svg)8 min\n\nSave ![](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/bin-public\/600_Fidelity_Com_English\/images\/article\/Bookmark.svg) ![](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/bin-public\/600_Fidelity_Com_English\/images\/article\/save-success.svg)\n\nClose Popover\n\n***\nGreat, you have saved this article to you My Learn Profile page.\n\nShare ![Share](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/bin-public\/600_Fidelity_Com_English\/images\/article\/share.svg)\n\nClose Popover\n\n***\nHow does a 401(k) match work? \\| Average 401(k) match \\| Fidelity\n\nClicking a link will open a new window.\n\n- [Facebook](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/smart-money\/average-401k-match#facebook)\n- [Twitter](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/smart-money\/average-401k-match#twitter)\n- [LinkedIn](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/smart-money\/average-401k-match#linkedin)\n\n[Print ![Print](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/bin-public\/600_Fidelity_Com_English\/images\/article\/Print.svg)](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/smart-money\/average-401k-match#print)\n\n# How does a 401(k) match work?\nIt's like free money you don't want to miss out on.\n\nFidelity Learn\n\n![](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/bin-public\/600_Fidelity_Com_English\/images\/learning-center\/heros\/what-is-a-401k-match-average-match_631390457_banner.png)\n\n### Key takeaways\n- A 401(k) match is when an employer puts money in an employee's retirement account based on what the employee contributes.\n- Match formulas vary, but a common setup is for employers to contribute \\$1 for every \\$1 an employee contributes up to 3% of their salary, then 50 cents on the dollar for the next 2% of an employee's salary.\n- Ideally, workers should aim to save 15% of their pre-tax income each year, including any match.\n\nAn employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k), can help build your retirement savings in 2 ways: Not only can you put money aside from your own paycheck, but you could also get extra money from your employer through a match. Here's how a 401(k) match works along with the average 401(k) match, according to Fidelity data.1\n\n### What is a 401(k) match?\nA 401(k) match is when your employer contributes money in your 401(k) account to reflect the contributions you've made out of your compensation, like salary and bonuses. Other employer retirement plans, like a [403(b)](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/smart-money\/what-is-a-403b), work the same way.\n\nEmployers offer 401(k) matches as an extra form of compensation to attract and retain employees and to encourage saving for retirement. In addition to (or in place of) 401(k) matches, employers may also choose to make nonmatching, or profit-sharing, contributions to your 401(k), even if you don't contribute yourself.\n\nMore than 85%2 of [401(k) plans](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/smart-money\/what-is-a-401k) for which Fidelity is the service provider offer some type of employer contribution, according to Mike Shamrell, vice president of Thought Leadership at Fidelity. \"As the largest service provider in the country with around 25,000 plans as of March 2025, our numbers are viewed as a good indicator of what's going on across the retirement landscape,\" he says.\n\n### How does a 401(k) match work?\nYour employer determines how your 401(k) match will work, but they usually follow a formula of putting in a dollar or a portion of one for each dollar you contribute. If you have a full match, that means 100% of your contributions will be matched dollar-for-dollar. If you have a partial match, such as 50%, your employer will put in 50 cents for every dollar you contribute. Some employers use a combination of both the full and partial match. Your employer also chooses how much of your contributions they will match based on a percentage of your salary.\n\nFor example, a 401(k) plan might use the following setup: Your employer matches dollar-for-dollar until you've contributed 3% of your salary. Then they match 50 cents of every dollar up to another 2% of your salary. Any contributions you make above 5% of your salary will not be matched.\n\nNote that any employer match doesn't count toward an individual's 401(k) annual contribution limit (\\$23,500 in 2025 for those under 50, \\$31,000 for those ages 50 to 59 and 64 and up, and \\$34,750 for those ages 60 to 63, if your plan allows this higher catch-up contribution). However, the combined employer match and employee contribution in 2025 cannot exceed \\$70,000 for those under 50, \\$77,500 for those 50 to 59 or 64 and older, and \\$81,250 for those 60 to 63 if your plan allows this higher catch-up limit.\n\n### What is the average 401(k) match?\nThe most common 401(k) match formula on plans at Fidelity is a dollar-for-dollar match on the first 3% and then 50 cents on the dollar on the next 2%, according to Shamrell. So if an employee contributes 5% of their salary, they effectively get another 4% from their employer (3% + 1%, or half of 2% = 4%).\n\nIt's important to note that not all workers contribute enough to get the entire match. According to Fidelity data,3 here's how much employers end up putting in per employee on average, including nonmatching contributions, broken down by age:\n\n20–29: 4.1%\n\n30–39: 4.7%\n\n40–49: 5.1%\n\n50–59: 5.2%\n\n60–69: 5.2%\n\n70+: 4.6%\n\nOverall average: 4.8%\n\nThe actual overall average employer contribution is also 4.8%, higher than the 4% offered by the typical plan. This is because some companies offer much more generous plans, which pushes up the average employer 401(k) contribution.\n\nKeep in mind that across all ages, the average amount an employer contributes as a match can be skewed by employees who save a lot for retirement in their workplace plans. In other words, a handful of employees contributing a high percentage to their 401(k)s could make it look like more people reached a match percentage than in fact did. This is especially true, Shamrell notes, when considering data that includes young employees, who tend to contribute less overall to their 401(k)s and are potentially missing out on more possible matching dollars than older employees.\n\n\"The good news is that as of March 2025, 17% of employees overall in plans for which Fidelity is the service provider increased their contribution rate,\" he says. Gen Z (19%) and Milliennial (18%) workers led the way.4\n\n### How to make the most of your 401(k) match\nIf your employer offers a 401(k) match, it's a good idea to try to make the most of this free money. Consider these tips:\n\n**Try to get the full match.** Ideally, you'd save enough for retirement to get the full 401(k) match, but Shamrell realizes this isn't always possible. \"While we encourage you not to leave money on the table, we understand everyone has their own personal situation,\" he says. Do your best to [budget](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/smart-money\/how-to-budget) and get as much of the match as possible, given your other financial needs.\n\n**Watch out for vesting schedules.** Employers offer 401(k) matches to hang onto employees because of a process called \"vesting,\" which requires you to stay at your job for a certain amount of time in order to keep the full match. For example, you might be entitled to 100% of an employer match if you've stayed 3 years, but none if you leave before then. Another variation of a vesting schedule is earning 20% of an employer match for every year you stay, so you receive 100% of the match once you've stayed for 5 years. Check your plan's rules if you're thinking of changing jobs. Note that any contributions you make are 100% yours.\n\n**Understand your company matching schedule.** Shamrell suggests checking when your employer makes matching contributions. It can have a bigger impact than you might think. \"Some will do it twice a year,\" he explains. \"Others, every 2 weeks for every paycheck.\" If you don't make a 401(k) contribution according to the schedule, you could lose out on matching funds. For example, let's say you max out contributions early in the year. If your employer matches per pay period, you may miss out on the match for the rest of the year because you're no longer making contributions. Because of this, some companies offer what's called a true-up, which is when they make up the difference if you didn't get the full annual match because you maxed out your 401(k) too early.\n\n**Be aware of HCE.** In some cases, you may not be eligible for a full employer match if you qualify as a highly compensated employee (HCE), which the IRS defines as someone who owns more than 5% of a company or whose compensation exceeds a set dollar limit and puts them in the top 20% of earners at their employer. This is a lookback provision, meaning qualification as an HCE for the current year is based on compensation received the previous year. In 2024, the [HCE thresholdOpens in a new window](https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/retirement-plans\/plan-participant-employee\/definitions \"HCE threshold\") was \\$155,000 in compensation; in 2025, you are considered an HCE if you make at least \\$160,000. The maximum income an employer can match is \\$350,000 in 2025, so if you make more than that, you may not get the entire employer match.\n\n**Consider saving beyond the match.** Once you're contributing enough to get your employer match, consider saving even more. [Fidelity suggests saving 15%](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/viewpoints\/retirement\/how-much-money-should-I-save) of your pre-tax income for retirement, which includes the match. If your employer gives you 6%, ideally you would put aside 9% of your salary to hit the target (6% from your employer + your 9% = 15%).\n\n### What to do if you don't have access to a 401(k) match\nIf you don't have access to a 401(k) match, Shamrell says to still try saving 15% of your pre-tax income. Because you're reaching for the target without the extra cash infusion from your employer, \"you're going to need to save a bit more aggressively if you can,\" he says. These [tips](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/smart-money\/how-to-save-thousands) might help you find ways to hit the 15% number yourself.\n\n### What to do if you don't have access to a 401(k) at all\nIf you don't have access to an employer 401(k) plan, one option is to consider an [individual retirement account](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/building-savings\/learn-about-iras\/what-is-an-ira) (IRA), which could offer more and\/or different investment options than an employer plan. [If you're self-employed](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/life-events\/self-employed-retirement-plan), you can consider additional tax-advantaged accounts. Find out [which small business retirement plan](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/retirement-ira\/small-business\/compare-retirement-plans) could be right for you.\n\n## Check out your workplace benefits\nFor easy access to your workplace benefits with Fidelity, log in to NetBenefits®.\n\n[Log inLog In Required](https:\/\/nb.fidelity.com\/public\/nb\/default\/home \"Log in\")\n\n## More to explore\n### [Consider an IRA](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/retirement-ira\/overview)\nTake advantage of potential tax-deferred or tax-free growth.\n\n### [Retirement rules of the road](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/viewpoints\/retirement\/retirement-roadmap)\n4 easy guidelines to help you reach your retirement goals.\n\n## Subscribe to  *Fidelity Smart Money℠*\nWhat the news means for your money, plus tips to help you spend, save, and invest.\n\n### Looking for more ideas and insights?\nWe'll deliver them right to your inbox.\n\nManage subscriptions\n\n### Thanks for subscribing\\!\nCheck out your Favorites page, where you can:\n\n- Tell us the topics you want to learn more about\n- View content you've saved for later\n- Subscribe to our newsletters\n\n[Go to Favorites](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/favorites)\n\n### We're on our way, but not quite there yet\nGood news, you're on the early-access list.   \n But we're not available in your state just yet. 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information](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/smart-money\/average-401k-match)\n\n![](data:image\/png;base64,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)\n\nTo get your conversation started, type a question in the entry field or choose from one of the following popular topics and commonly asked questions.\n\n- How do I invest the money in my SEP IRA to match the asset allocation in my 401(k) plan?\n- Where is the money going that I contributed through the 52-week Smart Habit Challenge?\n- How can teens learn more and build their money skills?\n\nProvide Feedback\n\nanswers will appear above the text input\n\nSubmit message","attrs_readable_markdown":"It's like free money you don't want to miss out on.\n\n![](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/bin-public\/600_Fidelity_Com_English\/images\/learning-center\/heros\/what-is-a-401k-match-average-match_631390457_banner.png)\n\n### Key takeaways\n- A 401(k) match is when an employer puts money in an employee's retirement account based on what the employee contributes.\n- Match formulas vary, but a common setup is for employers to contribute \\$1 for every \\$1 an employee contributes up to 3% of their salary, then 50 cents on the dollar for the next 2% of an employee's salary.\n- Ideally, workers should aim to save 15% of their pre-tax income each year, including any match.\n\nAn employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k), can help build your retirement savings in 2 ways: Not only can you put money aside from your own paycheck, but you could also get extra money from your employer through a match. Here's how a 401(k) match works along with the average 401(k) match, according to Fidelity data.1\n\n### What is a 401(k) match?\nA 401(k) match is when your employer contributes money in your 401(k) account to reflect the contributions you've made out of your compensation, like salary and bonuses. Other employer retirement plans, like a [403(b)](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/smart-money\/what-is-a-403b), work the same way.\n\nEmployers offer 401(k) matches as an extra form of compensation to attract and retain employees and to encourage saving for retirement. In addition to (or in place of) 401(k) matches, employers may also choose to make nonmatching, or profit-sharing, contributions to your 401(k), even if you don't contribute yourself.\n\nMore than 85%2 of [401(k) plans](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/smart-money\/what-is-a-401k) for which Fidelity is the service provider offer some type of employer contribution, according to Mike Shamrell, vice president of Thought Leadership at Fidelity. \"As the largest service provider in the country with around 25,000 plans as of March 2025, our numbers are viewed as a good indicator of what's going on across the retirement landscape,\" he says.\n\n### How does a 401(k) match work?\nYour employer determines how your 401(k) match will work, but they usually follow a formula of putting in a dollar or a portion of one for each dollar you contribute. If you have a full match, that means 100% of your contributions will be matched dollar-for-dollar. If you have a partial match, such as 50%, your employer will put in 50 cents for every dollar you contribute. Some employers use a combination of both the full and partial match. Your employer also chooses how much of your contributions they will match based on a percentage of your salary.\n\nFor example, a 401(k) plan might use the following setup: Your employer matches dollar-for-dollar until you've contributed 3% of your salary. Then they match 50 cents of every dollar up to another 2% of your salary. Any contributions you make above 5% of your salary will not be matched.\n\nNote that any employer match doesn't count toward an individual's 401(k) annual contribution limit (\\$23,500 in 2025 for those under 50, \\$31,000 for those ages 50 to 59 and 64 and up, and \\$34,750 for those ages 60 to 63, if your plan allows this higher catch-up contribution). However, the combined employer match and employee contribution in 2025 cannot exceed \\$70,000 for those under 50, \\$77,500 for those 50 to 59 or 64 and older, and \\$81,250 for those 60 to 63 if your plan allows this higher catch-up limit.\n\n### What is the average 401(k) match?\nThe most common 401(k) match formula on plans at Fidelity is a dollar-for-dollar match on the first 3% and then 50 cents on the dollar on the next 2%, according to Shamrell. So if an employee contributes 5% of their salary, they effectively get another 4% from their employer (3% + 1%, or half of 2% = 4%).\n\nIt's important to note that not all workers contribute enough to get the entire match. According to Fidelity data,3 here's how much employers end up putting in per employee on average, including nonmatching contributions, broken down by age:\n\n20–29: 4.1%\n\n30–39: 4.7%\n\n40–49: 5.1%\n\n50–59: 5.2%\n\n60–69: 5.2%\n\n70+: 4.6%\n\nOverall average: 4.8%\n\nThe actual overall average employer contribution is also 4.8%, higher than the 4% offered by the typical plan. This is because some companies offer much more generous plans, which pushes up the average employer 401(k) contribution.\n\nKeep in mind that across all ages, the average amount an employer contributes as a match can be skewed by employees who save a lot for retirement in their workplace plans. In other words, a handful of employees contributing a high percentage to their 401(k)s could make it look like more people reached a match percentage than in fact did. This is especially true, Shamrell notes, when considering data that includes young employees, who tend to contribute less overall to their 401(k)s and are potentially missing out on more possible matching dollars than older employees.\n\n\"The good news is that as of March 2025, 17% of employees overall in plans for which Fidelity is the service provider increased their contribution rate,\" he says. Gen Z (19%) and Milliennial (18%) workers led the way.4\n\n### How to make the most of your 401(k) match\nIf your employer offers a 401(k) match, it's a good idea to try to make the most of this free money. Consider these tips:\n\n**Try to get the full match.** Ideally, you'd save enough for retirement to get the full 401(k) match, but Shamrell realizes this isn't always possible. \"While we encourage you not to leave money on the table, we understand everyone has their own personal situation,\" he says. Do your best to [budget](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/smart-money\/how-to-budget) and get as much of the match as possible, given your other financial needs.\n\n**Watch out for vesting schedules.** Employers offer 401(k) matches to hang onto employees because of a process called \"vesting,\" which requires you to stay at your job for a certain amount of time in order to keep the full match. For example, you might be entitled to 100% of an employer match if you've stayed 3 years, but none if you leave before then. Another variation of a vesting schedule is earning 20% of an employer match for every year you stay, so you receive 100% of the match once you've stayed for 5 years. Check your plan's rules if you're thinking of changing jobs. Note that any contributions you make are 100% yours.\n\n**Understand your company matching schedule.** Shamrell suggests checking when your employer makes matching contributions. It can have a bigger impact than you might think. \"Some will do it twice a year,\" he explains. \"Others, every 2 weeks for every paycheck.\" If you don't make a 401(k) contribution according to the schedule, you could lose out on matching funds. For example, let's say you max out contributions early in the year. If your employer matches per pay period, you may miss out on the match for the rest of the year because you're no longer making contributions. Because of this, some companies offer what's called a true-up, which is when they make up the difference if you didn't get the full annual match because you maxed out your 401(k) too early.\n\n**Be aware of HCE.** In some cases, you may not be eligible for a full employer match if you qualify as a highly compensated employee (HCE), which the IRS defines as someone who owns more than 5% of a company or whose compensation exceeds a set dollar limit and puts them in the top 20% of earners at their employer. This is a lookback provision, meaning qualification as an HCE for the current year is based on compensation received the previous year. In 2024, the [HCE thresholdOpens in a new window](https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/retirement-plans\/plan-participant-employee\/definitions \"HCE threshold\") was \\$155,000 in compensation; in 2025, you are considered an HCE if you make at least \\$160,000. The maximum income an employer can match is \\$350,000 in 2025, so if you make more than that, you may not get the entire employer match.\n\n**Consider saving beyond the match.** Once you're contributing enough to get your employer match, consider saving even more. [Fidelity suggests saving 15%](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/viewpoints\/retirement\/how-much-money-should-I-save) of your pre-tax income for retirement, which includes the match. If your employer gives you 6%, ideally you would put aside 9% of your salary to hit the target (6% from your employer + your 9% = 15%).\n\n### What to do if you don't have access to a 401(k) match\nIf you don't have access to a 401(k) match, Shamrell says to still try saving 15% of your pre-tax income. Because you're reaching for the target without the extra cash infusion from your employer, \"you're going to need to save a bit more aggressively if you can,\" he says. These [tips](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/learning-center\/smart-money\/how-to-save-thousands) might help you find ways to hit the 15% number yourself.\n\nCheck out your workplace benefits\n\nFor easy access to your workplace benefits with Fidelity, log in to NetBenefits®.\n\nMore to explore\n\n### [Consider an IRA](https:\/\/www.fidelity.com\/retirement-ira\/overview)\nTake advantage of potential tax-deferred or tax-free growth.","meta_canonical":null}

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URL	https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/average-401k-match
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Meta Title	How does a 401(k) match work? \| Average 401(k) match \| Fidelity
Meta Description	A 401(k) match is money that your company agrees to put into your 401(k) for each dollar you do yourself. Here's what you need to know to take advantage of it, as well as the average 401(k) match you might expect to see.
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Boilerpipe Text	It's like free money you don't want to miss out on. Key takeaways A 401(k) match is when an employer puts money in an employee's retirement account based on what the employee contributes. Match formulas vary, but a common setup is for employers to contribute $1 for every $1 an employee contributes up to 3% of their salary, then 50 cents on the dollar for the next 2% of an employee's salary. Ideally, workers should aim to save 15% of their pre-tax income each year, including any match. An employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k), can help build your retirement savings in 2 ways: Not only can you put money aside from your own paycheck, but you could also get extra money from your employer through a match. Here's how a 401(k) match works along with the average 401(k) match, according to Fidelity data. 1 What is a 401(k) match? A 401(k) match is when your employer contributes money in your 401(k) account to reflect the contributions you've made out of your compensation, like salary and bonuses. Other employer retirement plans, like a 403(b) , work the same way. Employers offer 401(k) matches as an extra form of compensation to attract and retain employees and to encourage saving for retirement. In addition to (or in place of) 401(k) matches, employers may also choose to make nonmatching, or profit-sharing, contributions to your 401(k), even if you don't contribute yourself. More than 85% 2 of 401(k) plans for which Fidelity is the service provider offer some type of employer contribution, according to Mike Shamrell, vice president of Thought Leadership at Fidelity. "As the largest service provider in the country with around 25,000 plans as of March 2025, our numbers are viewed as a good indicator of what's going on across the retirement landscape," he says. How does a 401(k) match work? Your employer determines how your 401(k) match will work, but they usually follow a formula of putting in a dollar or a portion of one for each dollar you contribute. If you have a full match, that means 100% of your contributions will be matched dollar-for-dollar. If you have a partial match, such as 50%, your employer will put in 50 cents for every dollar you contribute. Some employers use a combination of both the full and partial match. Your employer also chooses how much of your contributions they will match based on a percentage of your salary. For example, a 401(k) plan might use the following setup: Your employer matches dollar-for-dollar until you've contributed 3% of your salary. Then they match 50 cents of every dollar up to another 2% of your salary. Any contributions you make above 5% of your salary will not be matched. Note that any employer match doesn't count toward an individual's 401(k) annual contribution limit ($23,500 in 2025 for those under 50, $31,000 for those ages 50 to 59 and 64 and up, and $34,750 for those ages 60 to 63, if your plan allows this higher catch-up contribution). However, the combined employer match and employee contribution in 2025 cannot exceed $70,000 for those under 50, $77,500 for those 50 to 59 or 64 and older, and $81,250 for those 60 to 63 if your plan allows this higher catch-up limit. What is the average 401(k) match? The most common 401(k) match formula on plans at Fidelity is a dollar-for-dollar match on the first 3% and then 50 cents on the dollar on the next 2%, according to Shamrell. So if an employee contributes 5% of their salary, they effectively get another 4% from their employer (3% + 1%, or half of 2% = 4%). It's important to note that not all workers contribute enough to get the entire match. According to Fidelity data, 3 here's how much employers end up putting in per employee on average, including nonmatching contributions, broken down by age: 20–29: 4.1% 30–39: 4.7% 40–49: 5.1% 50–59: 5.2% 60–69: 5.2% 70+: 4.6% Overall average: 4.8% The actual overall average employer contribution is also 4.8%, higher than the 4% offered by the typical plan. This is because some companies offer much more generous plans, which pushes up the average employer 401(k) contribution. Keep in mind that across all ages, the average amount an employer contributes as a match can be skewed by employees who save a lot for retirement in their workplace plans. In other words, a handful of employees contributing a high percentage to their 401(k)s could make it look like more people reached a match percentage than in fact did. This is especially true, Shamrell notes, when considering data that includes young employees, who tend to contribute less overall to their 401(k)s and are potentially missing out on more possible matching dollars than older employees. "The good news is that as of March 2025, 17% of employees overall in plans for which Fidelity is the service provider increased their contribution rate," he says. Gen Z (19%) and Milliennial (18%) workers led the way. 4 How to make the most of your 401(k) match If your employer offers a 401(k) match, it's a good idea to try to make the most of this free money. Consider these tips: Try to get the full match. Ideally, you'd save enough for retirement to get the full 401(k) match, but Shamrell realizes this isn't always possible. "While we encourage you not to leave money on the table, we understand everyone has their own personal situation," he says. Do your best to budget and get as much of the match as possible, given your other financial needs. Watch out for vesting schedules. Employers offer 401(k) matches to hang onto employees because of a process called "vesting," which requires you to stay at your job for a certain amount of time in order to keep the full match. For example, you might be entitled to 100% of an employer match if you've stayed 3 years, but none if you leave before then. Another variation of a vesting schedule is earning 20% of an employer match for every year you stay, so you receive 100% of the match once you've stayed for 5 years. Check your plan's rules if you're thinking of changing jobs. Note that any contributions you make are 100% yours. Understand your company matching schedule. Shamrell suggests checking when your employer makes matching contributions. It can have a bigger impact than you might think. "Some will do it twice a year," he explains. "Others, every 2 weeks for every paycheck." If you don't make a 401(k) contribution according to the schedule, you could lose out on matching funds. For example, let's say you max out contributions early in the year. If your employer matches per pay period, you may miss out on the match for the rest of the year because you're no longer making contributions. Because of this, some companies offer what's called a true-up, which is when they make up the difference if you didn't get the full annual match because you maxed out your 401(k) too early. Be aware of HCE. In some cases, you may not be eligible for a full employer match if you qualify as a highly compensated employee (HCE), which the IRS defines as someone who owns more than 5% of a company or whose compensation exceeds a set dollar limit and puts them in the top 20% of earners at their employer. This is a lookback provision, meaning qualification as an HCE for the current year is based on compensation received the previous year. In 2024, the HCE threshold Opens in a new window was $155,000 in compensation; in 2025, you are considered an HCE if you make at least $160,000. The maximum income an employer can match is $350,000 in 2025, so if you make more than that, you may not get the entire employer match. Consider saving beyond the match. Once you're contributing enough to get your employer match, consider saving even more. Fidelity suggests saving 15% of your pre-tax income for retirement, which includes the match. If your employer gives you 6%, ideally you would put aside 9% of your salary to hit the target (6% from your employer + your 9% = 15%). What to do if you don't have access to a 401(k) match If you don't have access to a 401(k) match, Shamrell says to still try saving 15% of your pre-tax income. Because you're reaching for the target without the extra cash infusion from your employer, "you're going to need to save a bit more aggressively if you can," he says. These tips might help you find ways to hit the 15% number yourself. Check out your workplace benefits For easy access to your workplace benefits with Fidelity, log in to NetBenefits ® . More to explore Consider an IRA Take advantage of potential tax-deferred or tax-free growth.
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Share ![Share](https://www.fidelity.com/bin-public/600_Fidelity_Com_English/images/article/share.svg) Close Popover * How does a 401(k) match work? \\| Average 401(k) match \\| Fidelity Clicking a link will open a new window. - [Facebook](https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/average-401k-match#facebook) - [Twitter](https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/average-401k-match#twitter) - [LinkedIn](https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/average-401k-match#linkedin) [Print ![Print](https://www.fidelity.com/bin-public/600_Fidelity_Com_English/images/article/Print.svg)](https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/average-401k-match#print) # How does a 401(k) match work? It's like free money you don't want to miss out on. Fidelity Learn ![](https://www.fidelity.com/bin-public/600_Fidelity_Com_English/images/learning-center/heros/what-is-a-401k-match-average-match_631390457_banner.png) ### Key takeaways - A 401(k) match is when an employer puts money in an employee's retirement account based on what the employee contributes. - Match formulas vary, but a common setup is for employers to contribute \$1 for every \$1 an employee contributes up to 3% of their salary, then 50 cents on the dollar for the next 2% of an employee's salary. - Ideally, workers should aim to save 15% of their pre-tax income each year, including any match. An employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k), can help build your retirement savings in 2 ways: Not only can you put money aside from your own paycheck, but you could also get extra money from your employer through a match. Here's how a 401(k) match works along with the average 401(k) match, according to Fidelity data.1 ### What is a 401(k) match? A 401(k) match is when your employer contributes money in your 401(k) account to reflect the contributions you've made out of your compensation, like salary and bonuses. Other employer retirement plans, like a [403(b)](https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/what-is-a-403b), work the same way. Employers offer 401(k) matches as an extra form of compensation to attract and retain employees and to encourage saving for retirement. In addition to (or in place of) 401(k) matches, employers may also choose to make nonmatching, or profit-sharing, contributions to your 401(k), even if you don't contribute yourself. More than 85%2 of [401(k) plans](https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/what-is-a-401k) for which Fidelity is the service provider offer some type of employer contribution, according to Mike Shamrell, vice president of Thought Leadership at Fidelity. "As the largest service provider in the country with around 25,000 plans as of March 2025, our numbers are viewed as a good indicator of what's going on across the retirement landscape," he says. ### How does a 401(k) match work? Your employer determines how your 401(k) match will work, but they usually follow a formula of putting in a dollar or a portion of one for each dollar you contribute. If you have a full match, that means 100% of your contributions will be matched dollar-for-dollar. If you have a partial match, such as 50%, your employer will put in 50 cents for every dollar you contribute. Some employers use a combination of both the full and partial match. Your employer also chooses how much of your contributions they will match based on a percentage of your salary. For example, a 401(k) plan might use the following setup: Your employer matches dollar-for-dollar until you've contributed 3% of your salary. Then they match 50 cents of every dollar up to another 2% of your salary. Any contributions you make above 5% of your salary will not be matched. Note that any employer match doesn't count toward an individual's 401(k) annual contribution limit (\$23,500 in 2025 for those under 50, \$31,000 for those ages 50 to 59 and 64 and up, and \$34,750 for those ages 60 to 63, if your plan allows this higher catch-up contribution). However, the combined employer match and employee contribution in 2025 cannot exceed \$70,000 for those under 50, \$77,500 for those 50 to 59 or 64 and older, and \$81,250 for those 60 to 63 if your plan allows this higher catch-up limit. ### What is the average 401(k) match? The most common 401(k) match formula on plans at Fidelity is a dollar-for-dollar match on the first 3% and then 50 cents on the dollar on the next 2%, according to Shamrell. So if an employee contributes 5% of their salary, they effectively get another 4% from their employer (3% + 1%, or half of 2% = 4%). It's important to note that not all workers contribute enough to get the entire match. According to Fidelity data,3 here's how much employers end up putting in per employee on average, including nonmatching contributions, broken down by age: 20–29: 4.1% 30–39: 4.7% 40–49: 5.1% 50–59: 5.2% 60–69: 5.2% 70+: 4.6% Overall average: 4.8% The actual overall average employer contribution is also 4.8%, higher than the 4% offered by the typical plan. This is because some companies offer much more generous plans, which pushes up the average employer 401(k) contribution. Keep in mind that across all ages, the average amount an employer contributes as a match can be skewed by employees who save a lot for retirement in their workplace plans. In other words, a handful of employees contributing a high percentage to their 401(k)s could make it look like more people reached a match percentage than in fact did. This is especially true, Shamrell notes, when considering data that includes young employees, who tend to contribute less overall to their 401(k)s and are potentially missing out on more possible matching dollars than older employees. "The good news is that as of March 2025, 17% of employees overall in plans for which Fidelity is the service provider increased their contribution rate," he says. Gen Z (19%) and Milliennial (18%) workers led the way.4 ### How to make the most of your 401(k) match If your employer offers a 401(k) match, it's a good idea to try to make the most of this free money. Consider these tips: Try to get the full match. Ideally, you'd save enough for retirement to get the full 401(k) match, but Shamrell realizes this isn't always possible. "While we encourage you not to leave money on the table, we understand everyone has their own personal situation," he says. Do your best to [budget](https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/how-to-budget) and get as much of the match as possible, given your other financial needs. Watch out for vesting schedules. Employers offer 401(k) matches to hang onto employees because of a process called "vesting," which requires you to stay at your job for a certain amount of time in order to keep the full match. For example, you might be entitled to 100% of an employer match if you've stayed 3 years, but none if you leave before then. Another variation of a vesting schedule is earning 20% of an employer match for every year you stay, so you receive 100% of the match once you've stayed for 5 years. Check your plan's rules if you're thinking of changing jobs. Note that any contributions you make are 100% yours. Understand your company matching schedule. Shamrell suggests checking when your employer makes matching contributions. It can have a bigger impact than you might think. "Some will do it twice a year," he explains. "Others, every 2 weeks for every paycheck." If you don't make a 401(k) contribution according to the schedule, you could lose out on matching funds. For example, let's say you max out contributions early in the year. If your employer matches per pay period, you may miss out on the match for the rest of the year because you're no longer making contributions. Because of this, some companies offer what's called a true-up, which is when they make up the difference if you didn't get the full annual match because you maxed out your 401(k) too early. Be aware of HCE. In some cases, you may not be eligible for a full employer match if you qualify as a highly compensated employee (HCE), which the IRS defines as someone who owns more than 5% of a company or whose compensation exceeds a set dollar limit and puts them in the top 20% of earners at their employer. This is a lookback provision, meaning qualification as an HCE for the current year is based on compensation received the previous year. In 2024, the [HCE thresholdOpens in a new window](https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/definitions "HCE threshold") was \$155,000 in compensation; in 2025, you are considered an HCE if you make at least \$160,000. The maximum income an employer can match is \$350,000 in 2025, so if you make more than that, you may not get the entire employer match. Consider saving beyond the match. Once you're contributing enough to get your employer match, consider saving even more. [Fidelity suggests saving 15%](https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/retirement/how-much-money-should-I-save) of your pre-tax income for retirement, which includes the match. If your employer gives you 6%, ideally you would put aside 9% of your salary to hit the target (6% from your employer + your 9% = 15%). ### What to do if you don't have access to a 401(k) match If you don't have access to a 401(k) match, Shamrell says to still try saving 15% of your pre-tax income. Because you're reaching for the target without the extra cash infusion from your employer, "you're going to need to save a bit more aggressively if you can," he says. These [tips](https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/how-to-save-thousands) might help you find ways to hit the 15% number yourself. ### What to do if you don't have access to a 401(k) at all If you don't have access to an employer 401(k) plan, one option is to consider an [individual retirement account](https://www.fidelity.com/building-savings/learn-about-iras/what-is-an-ira) (IRA), which could offer more and/or different investment options than an employer plan. [If you're self-employed](https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/life-events/self-employed-retirement-plan), you can consider additional tax-advantaged accounts. Find out [which small business retirement plan](https://www.fidelity.com/retirement-ira/small-business/compare-retirement-plans) could be right for you. ## Check out your workplace benefits For easy access to your workplace benefits with Fidelity, log in to NetBenefits®. [Log inLog In Required](https://nb.fidelity.com/public/nb/default/home "Log in") ## More to explore ### [Consider an IRA](https://www.fidelity.com/retirement-ira/overview) Take advantage of potential tax-deferred or tax-free growth. ### [Retirement rules of the road](https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/retirement/retirement-roadmap) 4 easy guidelines to help you reach your retirement goals. ## Subscribe to Fidelity Smart Money℠ What the news means for your money, plus tips to help you spend, save, and invest. ### Looking for more ideas and insights? We'll deliver them right to your inbox. Manage subscriptions ### Thanks for subscribing\! Check out your Favorites page, where you can: - Tell us the topics you want to learn more about - View content you've saved for later - Subscribe to our newsletters [Go to Favorites](https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/favorites) ### We're on our way, but not quite there yet Good news, you're on the early-access list. But we're not available in your state just yet. As soon as we are, we'll let you know. In the meantime, boost your crypto brainpower in our Learning Center. Manage subscriptions ### Oh, hello again\! Good news, you’re already on the early-access list. Keep an eye on your email for your invitation to Fidelity Crypto. Manage subscriptions Close dialog ### Thanks for subscribing to Looking for more ideas and insights? You might like these too: ### Looking for more ideas and insights? You might like these too: ### Fidelity Viewpoints® Timely news and insights from our pros on markets, investing, and personal finance.(debug tcm:2 ... ### Decode Crypto Clarity on crypto every month. Build your knowledge with education for all levels. ### Fidelity Smart Money℠ What the news means for your money, plus tips to help you spend, save, and invest. ### Active Investor Our most advanced investment insights, strategies, and tools. ### Insights from Fidelity Wealth Management ℠ Timely news, events, and wealth strategies from top Fidelity thought leaders. ### Women Talk Money Real talk and helpful tips about money, investing, and careers. ### Educational Webinars and Events Free financial education from Fidelity and other leading industry professionals. Fidelity Viewpoints® Timely news and insights from our pros on markets, investing, and personal finance.(debug tcm:2 ... Decode Crypto Clarity on crypto every month. Build your knowledge with education for all levels. Fidelity Smart Money℠ What the news means for your money, plus tips to help you spend, save, and invest. Active Investor Our most advanced investment insights, strategies, and tools. Insights from Fidelity Wealth Management ℠ Timely news, events, and wealth strategies from top Fidelity thought leaders. Women Talk Money Real talk and helpful tips about money, investing, and careers. Educational Webinars and Events Free financial education from Fidelity and other leading industry professionals. Done Add subscriptions No, thanks. Loading - [Changing jobs](https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/life-events/career-planning) - [Investing for income](https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/trading-investing/investing-for-income) - [Preparing for retirement](https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/retirement/planning-your-retirement) - [Saving for retirement](https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/retirement/saving-for-retirement) - [Living in retirement](https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/retirement/planning-your-retirement) 1,2. Building Financial Futures, Fidelity, Q1 2025. 3\. Fidelity Investments Q1 2025 401(k) data based on 25,300 corporate defined contribution plans and 24.4 million participants as of March 31, 2025. These figures include the advisor-sold market but exclude the tax-exempt market. Excluded from the behavioral statistics are non-qualified defined contribution plans and plans for Fidelity's own employees. 4\. Building Financial Futures, Fidelity, Q1 2025. Investing involves risk, including risk of loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Views expressed are as of the date indicated, based on the information available at that time, and may change based on market or other conditions. Unless otherwise noted, the opinions provided are those of the speaker or author and not necessarily those of Fidelity Investments or its affiliates. Fidelity does not assume any duty to update any of the information. Fidelity does not provide legal or tax advice. 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zw4SR1mWv8zQEYrcClV137yHSITjs3bAQfYYQRRhhhhBFGGAH8D9DXSGd7oPh2AAAAAElFTkSuQmCC) 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zw4SR1mWv8zQEYrcClV137yHSITjs3bAQfYYQRRhhhhBFGGAH8D9DXSGd7oPh2AAAAAElFTkSuQmCC) 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Readable Markdown	It's like free money you don't want to miss out on. ![](https://www.fidelity.com/bin-public/600_Fidelity_Com_English/images/learning-center/heros/what-is-a-401k-match-average-match_631390457_banner.png) ### Key takeaways - A 401(k) match is when an employer puts money in an employee's retirement account based on what the employee contributes. - Match formulas vary, but a common setup is for employers to contribute \$1 for every \$1 an employee contributes up to 3% of their salary, then 50 cents on the dollar for the next 2% of an employee's salary. - Ideally, workers should aim to save 15% of their pre-tax income each year, including any match. An employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k), can help build your retirement savings in 2 ways: Not only can you put money aside from your own paycheck, but you could also get extra money from your employer through a match. Here's how a 401(k) match works along with the average 401(k) match, according to Fidelity data.1 ### What is a 401(k) match? A 401(k) match is when your employer contributes money in your 401(k) account to reflect the contributions you've made out of your compensation, like salary and bonuses. Other employer retirement plans, like a [403(b)](https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/what-is-a-403b), work the same way. Employers offer 401(k) matches as an extra form of compensation to attract and retain employees and to encourage saving for retirement. In addition to (or in place of) 401(k) matches, employers may also choose to make nonmatching, or profit-sharing, contributions to your 401(k), even if you don't contribute yourself. More than 85%2 of [401(k) plans](https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/what-is-a-401k) for which Fidelity is the service provider offer some type of employer contribution, according to Mike Shamrell, vice president of Thought Leadership at Fidelity. "As the largest service provider in the country with around 25,000 plans as of March 2025, our numbers are viewed as a good indicator of what's going on across the retirement landscape," he says. ### How does a 401(k) match work? Your employer determines how your 401(k) match will work, but they usually follow a formula of putting in a dollar or a portion of one for each dollar you contribute. If you have a full match, that means 100% of your contributions will be matched dollar-for-dollar. If you have a partial match, such as 50%, your employer will put in 50 cents for every dollar you contribute. Some employers use a combination of both the full and partial match. Your employer also chooses how much of your contributions they will match based on a percentage of your salary. For example, a 401(k) plan might use the following setup: Your employer matches dollar-for-dollar until you've contributed 3% of your salary. Then they match 50 cents of every dollar up to another 2% of your salary. Any contributions you make above 5% of your salary will not be matched. Note that any employer match doesn't count toward an individual's 401(k) annual contribution limit (\$23,500 in 2025 for those under 50, \$31,000 for those ages 50 to 59 and 64 and up, and \$34,750 for those ages 60 to 63, if your plan allows this higher catch-up contribution). However, the combined employer match and employee contribution in 2025 cannot exceed \$70,000 for those under 50, \$77,500 for those 50 to 59 or 64 and older, and \$81,250 for those 60 to 63 if your plan allows this higher catch-up limit. ### What is the average 401(k) match? The most common 401(k) match formula on plans at Fidelity is a dollar-for-dollar match on the first 3% and then 50 cents on the dollar on the next 2%, according to Shamrell. So if an employee contributes 5% of their salary, they effectively get another 4% from their employer (3% + 1%, or half of 2% = 4%). It's important to note that not all workers contribute enough to get the entire match. According to Fidelity data,3 here's how much employers end up putting in per employee on average, including nonmatching contributions, broken down by age: 20–29: 4.1% 30–39: 4.7% 40–49: 5.1% 50–59: 5.2% 60–69: 5.2% 70+: 4.6% Overall average: 4.8% The actual overall average employer contribution is also 4.8%, higher than the 4% offered by the typical plan. This is because some companies offer much more generous plans, which pushes up the average employer 401(k) contribution. Keep in mind that across all ages, the average amount an employer contributes as a match can be skewed by employees who save a lot for retirement in their workplace plans. In other words, a handful of employees contributing a high percentage to their 401(k)s could make it look like more people reached a match percentage than in fact did. This is especially true, Shamrell notes, when considering data that includes young employees, who tend to contribute less overall to their 401(k)s and are potentially missing out on more possible matching dollars than older employees. "The good news is that as of March 2025, 17% of employees overall in plans for which Fidelity is the service provider increased their contribution rate," he says. Gen Z (19%) and Milliennial (18%) workers led the way.4 ### How to make the most of your 401(k) match If your employer offers a 401(k) match, it's a good idea to try to make the most of this free money. Consider these tips: Try to get the full match. Ideally, you'd save enough for retirement to get the full 401(k) match, but Shamrell realizes this isn't always possible. "While we encourage you not to leave money on the table, we understand everyone has their own personal situation," he says. Do your best to [budget](https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/how-to-budget) and get as much of the match as possible, given your other financial needs. Watch out for vesting schedules. Employers offer 401(k) matches to hang onto employees because of a process called "vesting," which requires you to stay at your job for a certain amount of time in order to keep the full match. For example, you might be entitled to 100% of an employer match if you've stayed 3 years, but none if you leave before then. Another variation of a vesting schedule is earning 20% of an employer match for every year you stay, so you receive 100% of the match once you've stayed for 5 years. Check your plan's rules if you're thinking of changing jobs. Note that any contributions you make are 100% yours. Understand your company matching schedule. Shamrell suggests checking when your employer makes matching contributions. It can have a bigger impact than you might think. "Some will do it twice a year," he explains. "Others, every 2 weeks for every paycheck." If you don't make a 401(k) contribution according to the schedule, you could lose out on matching funds. For example, let's say you max out contributions early in the year. If your employer matches per pay period, you may miss out on the match for the rest of the year because you're no longer making contributions. Because of this, some companies offer what's called a true-up, which is when they make up the difference if you didn't get the full annual match because you maxed out your 401(k) too early. Be aware of HCE. In some cases, you may not be eligible for a full employer match if you qualify as a highly compensated employee (HCE), which the IRS defines as someone who owns more than 5% of a company or whose compensation exceeds a set dollar limit and puts them in the top 20% of earners at their employer. This is a lookback provision, meaning qualification as an HCE for the current year is based on compensation received the previous year. In 2024, the [HCE thresholdOpens in a new window](https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/definitions "HCE threshold") was \$155,000 in compensation; in 2025, you are considered an HCE if you make at least \$160,000. The maximum income an employer can match is \$350,000 in 2025, so if you make more than that, you may not get the entire employer match. Consider saving beyond the match. Once you're contributing enough to get your employer match, consider saving even more. [Fidelity suggests saving 15%](https://www.fidelity.com/viewpoints/retirement/how-much-money-should-I-save) of your pre-tax income for retirement, which includes the match. If your employer gives you 6%, ideally you would put aside 9% of your salary to hit the target (6% from your employer + your 9% = 15%). ### What to do if you don't have access to a 401(k) match If you don't have access to a 401(k) match, Shamrell says to still try saving 15% of your pre-tax income. Because you're reaching for the target without the extra cash infusion from your employer, "you're going to need to save a bit more aggressively if you can," he says. These [tips](https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/how-to-save-thousands) might help you find ways to hit the 15% number yourself. Check out your workplace benefits For easy access to your workplace benefits with Fidelity, log in to NetBenefits®. More to explore ### [Consider an IRA](https://www.fidelity.com/retirement-ira/overview) Take advantage of potential tax-deferred or tax-free growth.
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