In 2025, the 401(k) contribution limits are as follows:
- For employees under 50 years old, the maximum personal contribution limit is $23,500
- Employees aged 50 and older can make catch-up contributions of $7,500 , raising their total personal contribution limit to $31,000 for the year
- New in 2025, employees aged 60 to 63 can contribute an even higher catch-up amount of $11,250 , allowing a total personal contribution of $34,750 if their plan permits
Regarding combined contributions from both employee and employer:
- The total combined contribution limit (employee plus employer) for employees under 50 is $70,000 in 2025
- For employees 50 and older, the combined limit increases to $77,500 , including catch-up contributions
- For employees aged 60 to 63 with the enhanced catch-up, the combined limit can be as high as $81,250
Note that total contributions cannot exceed your annual compensation at your employer sponsoring the plan
Summary Table of 2025 401(k) Contribution Limits
Age Group| Employee Contribution Limit| Catch-Up Contribution| Total Employee
Limit| Combined Employee + Employer Limit
---|---|---|---|---
Under 50| $23,500| N/A| $23,500| $70,000
50 to 59| $23,500| $7,500| $31,000| $77,500
60 to 63| $23,500| $11,250| $34,750| $81,250
If you want to contribute the maximum, check with your plan sponsor to confirm your eligibility for catch-up contributions and whether your plan allows the enhanced catch-up for ages 60-63
