News & Trending Investing News

See How Your Company's 401(k) Match Compares to the Average

The average may be higher than you think.

Funds for retirement 401K plan
Updated Sept. 24, 2024
Fact checked

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

Many companies offer 401(k) matching programs these days, and if you’re not enrolled, it’s definitely worth considering. Employer contributions increase the amount invested and can help you fast-track to a stable retirement.

New data shows just how much companies contributed in 2023, and it may be more than you think. See how your employer compares to the average and if you should take advantage of this common perk.

Steal this billionaire wealth-building technique

The ultra-rich have also been investing in art from big names like Picasso and Bansky for centuries. And it's for a good reason: Contemporary art prices have outpaced the S&P 500 by 136% over the last 27 years.

A new company called Masterworks is now allowing everyday investors to get in on this type of previously-exclusive investment. You can buy a small slice of $1-$30 million paintings from iconic artists, all without needing any art expertise.

If you have at least $10k to invest and are ready to explore diversifying beyond stocks and bonds,see what Masterworks has on offer. (Hurry, they often sell out!)

Employers' contributions to 401(k)s

Kay Abrahams/peopleimages.com/Adobe senior woman planning for her future retirement

According to new data from Fidelity, on average, employers matched their employee contributions up to $4,600 in 2023. When invested and allowed to grow, this employer contribution has the potential to earn far beyond its initial investment.

For instance, if the annual return is 8%, then in 40 years, a contribution of $4,600 could grow to as much as $100,000.

How 401(k) matches work

witsarut/Adobe hand putting money for retirement

Employers have the option to contribute and match a portion of your 401(k) as part of your employment benefits. Not all employers offer a match even if they offer a 401(k) program, so check with your HR department to be sure.

If employers do offer a 401(k) match, they will match either a dollar-for-dollar amount or a percentage of your salary up to an annual limit.

For instance, they can match 100% of your contributions up to 3% of your annual income. The amount of money the company chooses to contribute is up to the employer, and the cap can vary from place to place.

To fully take advantage of the benefit, you will also need to contribute as much as you can. The IRS limit for 401(k) contributions in 2024 for those under 50 is $23,000, and those 50 and up can contribute $30,500.

Never pass up a 401(k) match

Jadon B/peopleimages.com/Adobe father and son calculating savings

Employer contributions can really have a big impact on your bottom line in retirement. If employees don’t take advantage of this benefit, then they are leaving money on the table that could grow at no additional cost to them.

Plus, the extra contributions will help to save for retirement much more quickly than if you were only contributing by yourself.

Bottom line

Pcess609/Adobe man putting pennies in glass jar with retirement label

If you invest in your 401(k), you won’t be able to fully utilize this money until retirement.

When contributing, however, you’re able to set yourself up for better financial success down the line and take advantage of “free money” offered by employers in a 401(k).

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

5.0
info

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks
Card Details


Author Details

Taylor Bushey

Taylor Bushey is a professional writer with a background in the banking industry. She also covers topics including home, wellness, lifestyle, fashion, and beauty.