Finance · 3 min read
401(k) Contribution Limits for 2026 (and Catch-Up Rules)
For 2026, you can contribute up to $24,500 of your pay to a 401(k). If you're 50 or older, you can add an $8,000 catch-up, and if you're 60, 61, 62 or 63 during the year, a larger $11,250 catch-up instead. Including employer contributions, the overall cap is $72,000, not counting catch-ups. These limits also apply to 403(b) plans, most governmental 457 plans and the federal Thrift Savings Plan.
2026 limits at a glance
| Limit | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Employee contributions (traditional + Roth combined) | $24,500 |
| Catch-up, age 50+ | $8,000 |
| Catch-up, ages 60–63 | $11,250 (instead of $8,000) |
| Total employee + employer ("annual additions") | $72,000 |
| Maximum total at age 50–59 or 64+ | $80,000 |
| Maximum total at age 60–63 | $83,250 |
| IRA contribution limit (separate) | $7,500 ($8,600 at 50+) |
The employee limit is shared between traditional and Roth 401(k) contributions, and across all plans you contribute to in a year. If you switch jobs mid-year, you're responsible for making sure your combined contributions don't go over.
The new Roth catch-up rule
From 2026, a SECURE 2.0 rule kicks in for higher earners: if your FICA wages from your employer were more than $150,000 in the previous year, any catch-up contributions you make have to be Roth (after-tax). Your regular $24,500 can still be traditional. If your plan doesn't offer a Roth option, it may not allow catch-ups for affected employees at all, so check with your plan administrator.
How much per paycheck to max out
- Paid monthly: $24,500 ÷ 12 ≈ $2,042
- Paid twice a month (24 paychecks): ≈ $1,021
- Paid every two weeks (26 paychecks): ≈ $942
On a $100,000 salary, maxing out means contributing 24.5% of pay. Contributions go through payroll, so you have to hit the limit by your final paycheck of the year; you can't add a lump sum afterwards the way you can with an IRA.
Watch out when front-loading
Some people raise their contribution early in the year and hit the limit by, say, September. If your employer matches each paycheck and your plan doesn't have a "true-up", you could lose the match for the rest of the year. Check your plan documents, or spread contributions evenly to be safe.
Do you need to max out?
Most people don't need to max their 401(k) to retire comfortably, especially if they start early. A common approach:
- Contribute enough for the full employer match.
- Clear high-interest debt and build an emergency fund.
- Consider an IRA for more investment choice. See 401(k) vs IRA.
- Work up toward about 15% of income, then more if you can.
How much should I contribute to my 401(k)? covers this in more detail, and the 401(k) calculator caps your projection at these 2026 limits automatically.
Limits change every year
The IRS adjusts these numbers for inflation, usually announcing next year's limits in the autumn. If you're a heavy saver, it's worth checking each November so you can update your payroll percentage for January.
For personal advice, especially around the Roth catch-up rule and multiple plans, speak to your plan administrator or a tax professional.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 401(k) limit for 2026?
$24,500 in employee contributions. The total including employer contributions is $72,000, not counting catch-up contributions.
What is the 401(k) catch-up limit for 2026?
$8,000 for people aged 50 and over, or $11,250 for people aged 60 to 63.
Do Roth and traditional 401(k) contributions share the same limit?
Yes. The $24,500 limit applies to your combined traditional and Roth 401(k) contributions.
What is the new Roth catch-up rule?
From 2026, if you earned more than $150,000 in FICA wages from your employer the previous year, your catch-up contributions must be made as Roth contributions.