What percentage should I put in my 401(k)?

Most guidance lands at 12–15% of pay including employer match. Start by capturing your full match, then raise your own contribution about 1% per year until you reach the target.

Does the employer match count toward the limit?

No. The 2026 employee contribution limit is $24,500 ($31,000 if 50 or older). Your employer’s match is separate and does not reduce how much you can personally contribute.

How Much Should I Contribute to My 401(k)?

Q: How much should I contribute to my 401(k)?

Contribute at least enough to get your full employer match, then work toward about 15% of your pay including the match (Fidelity’s guideline; Vanguard says 12–15%). On a $70,000 salary, 15% is roughly $10,500 per year, or about $875 per month.

Updated June 2026 · Written & fact-checked by the NumberBench editorial team · How we calculate

The common guideline: contribute at least enough to get your full employer match, then build toward about 15% of your pay (including the match). On a $70,000 salary, 15% is about $10,500/year (~$875/month). Find your rate below.

★ Short answer

Aim for about 15% of your pay (including employer match) — on a $70,000 salary, that’s roughly $10,500/year.

Always contribute at least enough to capture your full employer match first — it’s free money. Then step your rate up toward 15%. Check your rate ↓

Annual salary

Your contribution

Employer match (of pay)

Total going in—

Per year (you + match)—

Per month—

15% of pay (target)—

📊 Benchmark: Fidelity suggests ~15% of pay including match; Vanguard 12–15%. Provider guidelines.

2026 IRS employee 401(k) limit: $24,500 ($31,000 if 50+). The employer match doesn’t count toward that employee limit.

How you compare

Your total savings rate vs. the 12–15% guideline

How much to put in your 401(k)

Three tiers help most people decide. First, contribute at least enough to earn your full employer match — skipping it leaves guaranteed money on the table. Second, work toward a total savings rate of about 15% of pay, counting your contribution plus the match; Fidelity uses 15% and Vanguard suggests 12–15%. Third, if you can, push toward the annual IRS limit. Even one extra percentage point of pay, invested for decades, compounds into a meaningful difference at retirement.

How it’s calculated

Total rate = your contribution % + employer match % of pay. Per-year dollars = total rate × salary; per-month divides by 12. The gauge compares your total rate to the 12–15% guideline. The employer match does not count toward your personal IRS contribution limit.

A planning guideline, not advice. Your ideal rate depends on your budget, other goals, and whether you also use an IRA or HSA.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the minimum I should contribute?

At least enough to get your employer’s full match. If your employer matches up to 3% of pay, contribute at least 3%.

Is 15% too much?

15% including the match is a target, not a starting point. If you can’t hit it yet, start where you can and raise your rate 1% a year — many plans automate this.

Does the match count toward the IRS limit?

No. In 2026 you can contribute up to $24,500 yourself ($31,000 if 50+); the employer match is on top of that.