How much is my 401(k) match worth over my career?
A 30-year-old earning $75,000, contributing 6% of salary, with an employer matching dollar-for-dollar up to 6%, invested until 65.
Total employer match received
$157,500
- Final 401(k) balance at 65
- $1,287,677
- Total employee contributions
- $157,500
- Total investment growth
- $972,677
Assumptions used
- $75,000 salary, 6% employee contribution, 100% match up to 6%, 7% return, age 30 to 65
This assumes contribution percentage and employer match terms stay constant for 35 years, which real careers rarely do — but it illustrates the scale of what "free money" from a match adds up to.
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