The 401k limit for 2026 is $24,500 in employee deferrals. If you're 50 or older, you can add an $8,000 catch-up contribution, and if you're 60, 61, 62 or 63, the catch-up rises to $11,250.
Below you'll find the full set of 2026 numbers, how much to set aside each paycheck to reach the limit, and what maxing out does to your take-home pay.
The 401k limit for 2026 at a glance
These limits come from the IRS's annual inflation adjustments. The same employee deferral limit applies to 401(k), 403(b) and most governmental 457 plans.
| Your age in 2026 | Base limit | Catch-up | Total you can defer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 50 | $24,500 | None | $24,500 |
| 50 to 59, or 64 and older | $24,500 | $8,000 | $32,500 |
| 60 to 63 | $24,500 | $11,250 | $35,750 |
The ages 60 to 63 catch-up replaces the regular catch-up for those years; it isn't added on top of it. For comparison, the 2026 IRA limit is $7,500, with a $1,100 catch-up for people 50 and older. IRA limits are separate from 401(k) limits, so you can contribute to both if you qualify.
What counts toward the $24,500
Traditional and Roth together
The $24,500 limit covers your traditional (pre-tax) and Roth 401(k) contributions combined. You can split them any way your plan allows, but the total can't go over the limit. Our guide to Roth vs traditional 401(k) explains how each type shows up on your paycheck.
Employer contributions don't count
Your employer's matching or profit-sharing contributions don't use up your $24,500. There is a separate, higher IRS limit on combined employee and employer contributions, which most workers never reach. See how a 401(k) employer match works for more.
The limit is per person, not per job
If you work two jobs, or change jobs during the year, your deferrals to every 401(k) and 403(b) plan add up toward one $24,500 limit. Each employer only sees its own payroll, so it's up to you to track the total. Governmental 457(b) plans have their own separate limit, which is why some public employees can defer more.
Roth catch-up rule for higher earners
Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, workers whose prior-year wages from the employer were above an IRS threshold generally must make their catch-up contributions as Roth (after-tax) contributions. Check with your plan or the IRS for whether this applies to you.
How much to contribute per paycheck to max out
To reach exactly $24,500 by your last paycheck of the year, divide the limit by your number of paychecks.
| Pay frequency | Paychecks per year | Per paycheck to reach $24,500 |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly | 52 | $471.15 |
| Biweekly | 26 | $942.31 |
| Semimonthly | 24 | $1,020.83 |
| Monthly | 12 | $2,041.67 |
Most plans take a percentage of pay rather than a dollar amount. To convert, divide the per-paycheck amount by your gross pay per paycheck. Remember that some years have 27 biweekly or 53 weekly paydays, which changes the math slightly. Our article on how many paychecks are in a year explains when that happens.
Worked example: maxing out on a $122,500 salary in Colorado
A single filer in Colorado earns $122,500 and is paid monthly. A 20% contribution equals exactly $24,500 for the year, or $2,041.67 per month. Here's the estimated effect on each paycheck, from the PaycheckHubs paycheck calculator.
| Monthly paycheck | No 401(k) | 20% 401(k) |
|---|---|---|
| Gross pay | $10,208.33 | $10,208.33 |
| 401(k) contribution | $0.00 | $2,041.67 |
| Federal income tax | $1,511.17 | $1,060.83 |
| Colorado income tax | $390.13 | $300.30 |
| Social Security | $632.92 | $632.92 |
| Medicare | $148.02 | $148.02 |
| Take-home pay | $7,526.09 | $6,024.59 |
Putting $2,041.67 a month into the 401(k) only lowers take-home pay by $1,501.50. Over the year, federal income tax drops by about $5,404 and Colorado tax by about $1,078. Social Security and Medicare don't change, because 401(k) deferrals are still subject to FICA.
This example leaves out Colorado's FAMLI paid leave premium (0.44% of wages for employees in 2026), which the calculator does include. Results for your Colorado paycheck or any other state will differ with your own deductions. In Pennsylvania, for example, 401(k) contributions are still subject to state income tax, so maxing out lowers federal income tax there but not the state tax line.
What happens if you hit the limit early
If your contribution rate is high enough to reach $24,500 before December, most payroll systems stop your deferrals automatically for the rest of the year. Your later paychecks then get bigger, because the 401(k) line drops to zero and income tax withholding goes back up.
Front-loading can cost you employer match money if your plan matches per paycheck and doesn't offer a year-end "true-up." If you want to max out, ask HR how your plan handles the match before choosing a very high percentage.
If you go over the limit, usually because you changed jobs, tell your plan administrator soon. Excess deferrals need to be corrected, and leaving them in can mean the same money gets taxed twice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 401(k) limit for 2026?
The employee deferral limit is $24,500. Workers 50 and older can add $8,000, and workers aged 60 to 63 can add $11,250 instead.
Does my employer match count toward the 401k limit for 2026?
No. The $24,500 limit applies only to your own deferrals. Employer contributions fall under a separate, higher combined limit.
Can I contribute to a 401(k) and an IRA in the same year?
Yes. The IRA limit for 2026 is $7,500, separate from the 401(k) limit. Whether a traditional IRA contribution is deductible, or whether you can contribute to a Roth IRA, depends on your income and workplace plan coverage.
When do I become eligible for the catch-up contribution?
You can make catch-up contributions in the calendar year you turn 50, even if your birthday is in December. The same calendar-year rule applies to the ages 60 to 63 catch-up.
Sources
- IRS: 401(k) limit increases to $24,500 for 2026, IRA limit increases to $7,500
- IRS Publication 15, Employer's Tax Guide
- Tax Foundation: State Income Tax Rates for 2026
Run the numbers for your state
Written and checked against IRS, Social Security Administration and state tax agency publications for the 2026 tax year. General information, not tax, legal or financial advice. Read our editorial policy, calculation methodology and sources.