The contribution limit for employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans, and the federal government’s Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) is updated each year, in $500 increments based on inflation.
What is the 401(k) contribution limit? And 403(b), 457, & TSP
For 2021, the employee contribution limit is $19,500, the same as 2020.
Additionally, employees age 50+ may make an additional Catch Up contribution of $6,500 (also the same as 2020) for a total contribution limit of $26,000.
The total employee contribution cannot exceed total compensation.
Employers may also make a contribution, including a contribution match. The limit for ALL / total contributions in 2021 is $58,000.
Additionally, individuals may make IRA contributions. See IRA contribution limits.
Data source. (IRS, external link)
Historical 401(k) Contribution Limits
| Year | Individual Limit | Catch-Up Limit | Total Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19,500 | $6,500 | $58,000 |
| 2020 | $19,500 | $6,500 | $57,000 |
| 2019 | $19,000 | $6,000 | $56,000 |
| 2018 | $18,500 | $6,000 | $55,000 |
| 2017 | $18,000 | $6,000 | $54,000 |
| 2016 | $18,000 | $6,000 | $53,000 |
| 2015 | $18,000 | $6,000 | $53,000 |
| 2014 | $17,500 | $5,500 | $52,000 |
| 2013 | $17,500 | $5,500 | $51,000 |
| 2012 | $17,000 | $5,500 | $50,000 |
| 2011 | $16,500 | $5,500 | $49,000 |
| 2010 | $16,500 | $5,500 | $49,000 |
| 2009 | $16,500 | $5,500 | $49,000 |
| 2008 | $15,500 | $5,000 | $46,000 |
| 2007 | $15,500 | $5,000 | $45,000 |
| 2006 | $15,000 | $5,000 | $44,000 |
| 2005 | $14,000 | $4,000 | $42,000 |
| 2004 | $13,000 | $3,000 | $41,000 |
| 2003 | $12,000 | $2,000 | $40,000 |
| 2002 | $11,000 | $1,000 | $40,000 |
| 2001 | $10,500 | $35,000 | |
| 2000 | $10,500 | $30,000 | |
| 1999 | $10,000 | $30,000 | |
| 1998 | $10,000 | $30,000 | |
| 1997 | $9,500 | $30,000 | |
| 1996 | $9,500 | $30,000 |
The 401(k) was created in the Revenue Act of 1978. Historical data provided as far back as 1996, the first year I had access to a 401(k).
Catch up contributions created in the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001.
