Impact of Increasing 457(b) Contributions

A small increase now, compounded for years, adds up by retirement.

Your numbers

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Extra at retirement

Added by the increase
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Projects the future value of just the extra contribution. Higher pre-tax contributions also lower your current taxable income.
About this calculator

Impact of Increasing 457(b) Contributions

This calculator projects the future value at retirement of just the extra 457(b) contribution created by raising your contribution percentage.

Isolating the value of the raise

When you increase your contribution percentage, this tool looks only at the additional dollars, not your existing balance. It computes the extra amount per year from the difference between your new and current percentages applied to your salary. That stream is then grown at your assumed return over the years until retirement to show what the increase alone could become.

Why small percentage bumps add up

Because the extra contributions compound every year, even a modest bump in percentage can grow into a meaningful sum over a long career. The longer your years to retirement and the higher your assumed return, the larger the projected value. Returns are not guaranteed, so treat the result as an illustration rather than a promise, and this is not investment advice.

How to use it

  1. Enter your annual salary.
  2. Enter your current contribution percentage.
  3. Enter your new, higher contribution percentage.
  4. Enter your years to retirement and expected return to see the projected value.

Frequently asked questions

What is a 457(b) plan?

It is a tax-advantaged retirement plan offered mainly to state and local government and some nonprofit employees. Contributions are typically pre-tax and grow tax-deferred until withdrawal.

Does this include my existing balance?

No, it projects only the additional contributions from your percentage increase. Your current balance would grow separately on top of this amount.

Is the projected return guaranteed?

No, the return you enter is an assumption and actual results will vary with the markets. Use it as an estimate, not a guarantee, and not as investment advice.

See the exact formula and a worked example on our methodology page.

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