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- Projects your 457(b) balance at retirement from salary, contributions and returns.
- Supports an employer contribution if your plan has one (many do not).
- Uses the 2026 limit of $24,500 with age 50+ and age 60 to 63 catch-up contributions.
- Shows the balance in today’s dollars and a year-by-year table.
How to use the 457(b) calculator
Enter your ages and balance
Your current age, retirement age and current 457(b) balance.
Enter salary and contribution
Your yearly pay and the percent you defer into the plan.
Add an employer contribution if any
Most governmental 457(b) plans have no match, so the default is 0.
Adjust the options
Change raises, the yearly limit, catch-up contributions and inflation in the advanced settings.
How the projection works
Each year
Your contribution = salary × your % (capped at the yearly limit)
Balance = last balance × (1 + return) + new contributions × (1 + return ÷ 2)
Contributions are spread through the year, so they earn about half a year of growth when they go in.
2026 contribution limits
Governmental 457(b) plans.
- Employee deferral limit $24,500
- Catch-up, age 50 and over +$8,000
- Catch-up, ages 60 to 63 +$11,250 (instead of $8,000)
The 457(b) limit is separate from the 401(k) and 403(b) limit.
Example: contributions alone
Age 35 to 65, $25,000 saved, $70,000 salary, 8% contribution, no raises and a 0% return.
- Your contributions $168,000
- Balance at 65 $193,000
With a 6% return and 2% raises, growth would add several hundred thousand dollars more.
Why a 457(b) is different
No 10% early withdrawal penalty
Money from a governmental 457(b) can be taken after you leave the job at any age without the usual 10% penalty. Income tax still applies.
A separate limit
You can contribute to a 457(b) and a 403(b) or 401(k) at the same time, each up to its own limit.
Special 3-year catch-up
Many plans allow extra contributions in the 3 years before normal retirement age.
Common in government jobs
Offered to state and local government workers such as teachers, police and firefighters.
The age 50+ catch-up and the special 3-year catch-up cannot both be used in the same year, so check your plan rules. This calculator gives an estimate, not financial advice. Compare with the 403(b) calculator, see how long savings last with the how long will my money last calculator, or count down with the retirement countdown calculator.
457(b) calculator FAQ
What is a 457(b) plan?
A tax-advantaged deferred compensation plan offered mainly by state and local governments and some nonprofits.
What is the 457(b) limit for 2026?
$24,500, plus $8,000 catch-up from age 50, or $11,250 at ages 60 to 63.
Can I contribute to a 457(b) and a 403(b)?
Yes. They have separate limits, so you may be able to defer up to $49,000 in 2026 across both, plus catch-ups.
Is there an early withdrawal penalty?
Governmental 457(b) plans have no 10% early withdrawal penalty after you separate from service. Regular income tax still applies.
Do 457(b) plans have a match?
Some do, but many do not. Enter your employer’s contribution if your plan offers one.
Does this include taxes?
No. It shows the balance before any tax on withdrawals.