Retirement 403b vs 401k Guide for Plan Selection (2026)
Compare 403b vs 401k retirement plans: eligibility, contribution limits, investment options, and retirement plan differences.
Summary
403b for public/non-profit employees, 401k for private sector. This guide explains eligibility, limits, and differences.
Key Steps
- 1Understand 403b: available to public school and non-profit employees.
- 2Understand 401k: available to private sector and corporate employees.
- 3Same contribution limits: both plans share same annual contribution limits.
- 4Investment differences: 403b often fewer options, annuity-focused historically.
- 5Both have catch-up: age 50+ catch-up contributions available in both.