401(k) Company Match

A 401(k) match (or matching program) is the portion that an employer contributes to a 401(k) or similar defined contribution plan. Often used to attract and retain high-quality employees in tight labor markets, a match is also offered to encourage worker participation in an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan.

A match will typically consist of a percent of the employee’s salary-deferred 401(k) contribution. For example, an employer might match 50% of the employee’s contribution, up to 6% of the employee’s salary, or 3% of the employee’s salary.