403(b) calculator
Project future 403(b) savings for school districts, hospitals, and nonprofit employers. Enter current balance, monthly deferrals, employer match, expected return, and years to grow.
Deferral growth milestones (illustrative)
Starting balance $25,000, $500/mo deferral, 50% employer match, 7% average return—compounded monthly.
| Years saving | Projected balance |
|---|---|
| 10 years | $180,055 |
| 20 years | $491,663 |
| 30 years | $1,117,891 |
Educational projection—not investment, tax, or retirement advice. Actual returns, fees, and withdrawal rules differ by plan and age.
Suggested next step
FAQ for this calculator
- Who can use a 403(b)?
- Employees of public schools, colleges, hospitals, churches, and certain nonprofits. Rules resemble 401(k) deferrals but plan vendors and fees differ.
- Does this include IRS limits?
- No—enter realistic contribution amounts. Elective deferral limits align with 401(k) caps but change annually.
- 403(b) vs 401(k)?
- Math is similar; 403(b) plans often offer annuity products and serve nonprofit employers. Use this page for 403(b) planning.
- 15-year catch-up?
- Long-tenure 403(b) participants may have extra catch-up rules—this calculator does not model them. Enter actual deferrals you plan to make.
How to use the 403(b) projection calculator
403(b) plans for public schools and tax-exempt employers work like other salary-deferral retirement accounts. Each month the balance grows by return, then your contribution plus employer match is added.
- Enter current 403(b) balance.
- Set monthly salary deferral and employer match percent.
- Pick expected return and years until retirement.
When to use this calculator
- Teachers comparing 403(b) deferrals vs Roth IRA outside the plan.
- Seeing how district match formulas affect long-term balance.
- Mid-career projection after rolling over an old 403(b).
Examples & walkthrough
- $15k now, $400/mo, 50% match, 7% return, 25 years → balance well above contributions alone.
- Stress-test with 5% return if your plan uses conservative assumptions.