2025
The limit for employee contributions into a 401(k) plan is $23,500 for the 2025 calendar year.
The limit for employee contributions into a 403(b) plan is $23,500 for the 2025 calendar year.
Employee contributions into a 401(a) plan are only subject to the limit for the total amount of contributions (employee plus employer): $70,000 for the 2025 calendar year.
2026
The limit for employee contributions into a 401(k) plan is $24,500 for the 2026 calendar year.
The limit for employee contributions into a 403(b) plan is $24,500 for the 2026 calendar year.
Employee contributions into a 401(a) plan are only subject to the limit for the total amount of contributions (employee plus employer): $72,000 for the 2026 calendar year.
Other Tips
Refer to this page for information on catch-up contribution limits: What are catch-up contributions?
The limits apply January 1st - December 31st, regardless of the year-end of the plan.
The limits apply to any and all employee contributions to 401(k) / 403(b) / 401(a) plans, even if you participate in multiple active plans.
However, these are not the same limits for IRA or Roth IRA accounts. The limits for IRAs are separate and do not effect the limits of your 401(k) / 403(b) / 401(a) plan.
The 401(k) and 403(b) limits apply to the combined total of both pre-tax and Roth employee contributions.