Employer matching contributions are a common feature of many company 401(k) plans, with 98% of employers adding partial or full matching bonuses. The typical American company is matching 6% of employee contributions in 2023.

Employers are also increasingly recognizing the 401(k) employer match as a powerful incentive to encourage loyalty to the company; in 2022, 59% have vesting schedules ranging from one to six years before employees are entitled to walk away with the full amount of employer-matched funds.

If you own a small business or work for one, keeping tabs on what other companies are matching on their 401(k)s can help you gauge how competitive your own plan is and better adjust your contributions for the year.

Partial 401(k) Matches in 2023

In a partial match plan, the employer matches a smaller percentage of what employees contribute. A common partial match is 50 cents for every dollar of employee contribution, up to 6% of the employee’s salary. Even if employees opt to put in a greater amount – say 8% – the employer is still only responsible for putting in up to 6% in that case. So, for instance, a person earning $100,000 a year might contribute $6,000 and receive another $3,000 in partially matched funds.

Full 401(k) Matches in 2023

Full 401(k) matching means employers put in dollar-for-dollar what employees contribute, up to a set default rate or the IRS maximum. While 3% was the norm at one time, 65% of plans are now using a default rate higher than 3% in order to significantly boost savings for participants over time. In 2023, the most common default rate is usually between 4% and 6% of pay, according to the Plan Council Sponsor of America.

2023 Safe Harbor Matching Formulas

Safe Harbors are a popular type of 401(k) plan that allows businesses to bypass many of the annual IRS nondiscrimination testing requirements when they agree to a standard matching formula. Any employer contributions made in a Safe Harbor plan must be fully vested for all employees.

The most common Safe Harbor 401(k) matching formulas are:

  • 100% match on the first 3% of employee contributions, plus 50% match on the next 3-5% (Basic match)
  • 100% match on the first 4-6% of employee contributions (Enhanced match)
  • At least 3% of employee pay, regardless of employee deferrals (Nonelective contribution)

401(k) Contribution Limits in 2023

Employees can put up to 100% of their compensation into a 401(k), up to the maximum limit. This year:

  • Employees can contribute up to $22,500 (up $2,000 from 2022)
  • Employees age 50 and older can add an additional $7,500 on top of this amount (up $1,000 from 2022)
  • Employers can add $43,500 to their own 401(k), bringing the total balance up to $66,000 in 2022 (up $5,000 from 2021)

SIMPLE 401(k) Limits in 2023

Employers offering a SIMPLE 401(k) allow employees to save up to $15,000 in 2023, which is up by $500 from 2022. Those age 50 and older may contribute another $5,000 for a total of $19,000.

Employers can contribute dollar-for-dollar up to 3% of a worker’s pay or contribute a flat 2% of compensation regardless of the employee’s own contributions.

Employer 401(k) contributions are subject to an employee compensation cap of $330,000 for 2023.

Engage Employees and Encourage Them to Save With a 401(k) Match This Year

The employer match is an excellent incentive tool to encourage employees to participate in your small business 401(k) plan. Matching not only helps employees create better financial security, but allows you and higher-paid executives the opportunity to max out your retirement savings as well.

Ubiquity is a leading provider of 401(k) plans geared specifically to small businesses. We are happy to help you set up an easy and affordable small business retirement plan with matching and educate your workforce so they understand what a great and valuable benefit you’re offering. Contact us to learn more.