401(k) Contribution Limits
The 401(k) employee contribution limit for 2026 is $24,500, before any catch-up contribution.
2026 401(k) employee limit
$24,500
Savers 50 or older can add $8,000, and those age 60 through 63 qualify for a higher $12,000 catch-up under SECURE 2.0. Employer matching does not count against the employee limit.
- Age 50+ total
- $32,500
- Age 60–63 total
- $36,500
Includes the employee limit plus the age 50+ catch-up.
Includes the employee limit plus the age 60–63 catch-up.
401(k) limits by year
| Tax year | Employee limit | Age 50+ catch-up | Age 60–63 catch-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $24,500 | $8,000 | $12,000 |
401(k) limit questions
What is the 401(k) contribution limit?
For 2026, the 401(k) employee contribution limit is $24,500.
Does an employer match count toward the employee limit?
Employer matching contributions do not count against the employee elective deferral limit shown here.
Who gets the higher age 60 to 63 catch-up limit?
SECURE 2.0 created a higher catch-up limit for some workplace plan participants who are age 60 through 63 during the tax year.
Related resources
Last updated . Source: IRS retirement plan contribution limits.