Boeing Retirement Changes [2026]
As a Boeing employee, staying up to date on any changes to your retirement plan is always wise. With several significant updates this year, it's essential to understand how these changes may impact your retirement strategy.
Here are all the Boeing retirement changes you should be aware of in 2026.
2026 Boeing Retirement Changes
Boeing 401(k) Limit Increase
Like all 401(k)s, the Boeing 401(k) is subject to IRS contribution limits. In 2025, the standard limit for employee deferrals was $23,500. In 2026, that limit has increased to $24,500.
Higher Catch-Up Contributions
Catch-up contributions have also increased for 2026. Last year, employees age 50 or older could invest an additional $7,500 to their 401(k)s. That limit has now increased to $8,000, for a total of $32,500.
On top of that, the Secure 2.0 Act has introduced a “super catch-up contribution” for certain employees. If you are age 60 through 63 in 2026, your catch-up limit is $11,250, for a total of $35,750. This allows employees who are nearing retirement age to save and invest even more in the final stretch of their career.
Mandatory Roth Catch-Up for High Earners
Starting in 2026, Boeing employees who earned more than $150,000 in FICA wages from Boeing in 2025 must make their catch-up contributions on a Roth basis. This means the catch-up contributions are made with after-tax dollars rather than reducing your taxable income for the year.
For this rule, use the Social Security wages reported in Box 3 of your W-2. If that number exceeds $150,000, you are subject to this requirement in 2026. You can still choose between traditional pre-tax and Roth contributions for your regular 401(k) contributions, but any catch-up contributions must be made on a Roth basis. Those contributions will be taxed when you contribute them, then will grow tax-free in the plan. Qualified withdrawals in retirement will also be tax-free.
Higher Total 401(k) Limit
In addition to the standard employee deferral limit, the IRS sets a higher total limit for 401(k) contributions. In 2026, that limit has increased from $70,000 to $72,000. This limit includes:
Your regular employee deferrals (pre-tax and/or Roth)
Boeing's matching contributions
Any additional after-tax contributions you make (usually as part of the mega backdoor Roth strategy)
Catch-up contributions are excluded from this higher limit.
Transition to Fidelity Investments
In January 2022, Boeing transitioned its retirement benefits administration to Fidelity Investments. Since then, employees have been able to manage their 401(k) plans through the Fidelity NetBenefits website. This transition was designed to streamline and improve management for the Boeing 401(k) program.
Fidelity also helps manage Boeing’s Supplemental Savings Plan (SSP).
Boeing 401(k) Matching Contributions Increase
The Boeing 401(k) already had a generous matching policy, and it’s only gotten better. Previously, Boeing would match 75% of the first 8% of an employee's salary contributed to a Boeing 401(k) plan. In 2022, Boeing raised that match to 100% of all non-union employee contributions up to a cap of 10% of their salary. That means that if you invest 10% of your salary into the Boeing 401(k), you can double your retirement savings at no extra cost. (This rate varies for union members.)
Healthcare and Insurance Adjustments
Understanding your employee healthcare benefits is crucial as you approach retirement. In 2026, Boeing has made several updates to its healthcare plans. For instance, the annual deductible for the Advantage+ health plan increased to $1,700 for individual coverage and $3,400 for family coverage (formerly $1,650 and $3,300, respectively).
Additionally, in-network co-insurance is now 10% after the deductible, and non-network co-insurance is 40% after the deductible. These changes may impact your out-of-pocket costs for medical services.
IAM Union Negotiations
In November of 2024, Boeing and IAM ratified a new contract through 2028. This agreement increases the employer match to 100% of employee 401(k) contributions up to 8% of their salary, as well as an automatic 4% company contribution. This brings Boeing’s total contribution to as much as 12% annually for employees who contribute at least 8% of their pay.
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Financial Planning Tips for Boeing Employees
In light of these Boeing retirement changes, there are steps you can take to optimize your plans for the future.
Assess your finances: Start by taking stock of your savings, investments, debts, and assets. Then, define your ideal retirement lifestyle, including where you want to live, travel plans, hobbies, and potential healthcare needs, to determine if you are financially ready for retirement.
Maximize retirement contributions: In the final stages of your career, make the most of your 401(k) and other retirement accounts. The more you contribute and invest now, the more you will likely have to draw on during retirement. If you’re 50 or older, use catch-up contributions to boost your savings.
Review investment portfolio: Adjust your investments based on your risk tolerance and retirement timeline. Consider diversifying toward more stable, low-risk investments as you approach retirement. (If you’re using a target date fund, this may happen automatically.)
Evaluate Social Security timing: Deciding when to start claiming Social Security benefits can impact your monthly payouts. Taking Social Security payments before full retirement age can permanently reduce your monthly benefits, while delaying payments until age 70 can greatly increase your benefits.
Explore healthcare options: Research your health insurance options, especially if you’re not yet eligible for Medicare. Consider long-term care coverage to protect against potential medical expenses.
Estate planning: Update your estate plan, including wills, beneficiaries, and powers of attorney, to ensure your wishes are documented and your loved ones are protected.
Consult a financial advisor: Working with a financial advisor can help you get the most out of your investments and make the transition to retirement as smooth as possible. Your financial advisor can also help keep you up to date on any future Boeing retirement changes.
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Boeing Retirement Changes FAQs
How does Boeing's 401(k) matching contribution work in 2026?
Boeing matches 100% of non-union employee contributions up to 10% of their salary. This means if you contribute 10% of your salary, Boeing will match it entirely, significantly boosting your retirement savings.
Does Boeing still have a pension plan for employees?
Boeing no longer offers a traditional defined-benefit pension plan to new employees. Instead, Boeing has transitioned to a 401(k) retirement plan for new hires, which includes company contributions and matching features.
Employees who earned pension benefits before the plans were frozen still retain those benefits. For example, Boeing froze its Pension Value Plan (PVP) at the end of 2015. Existing account balances continue to earn interest credits, and employees who were enrolled in the PVP before 2015 can still draw from that plan.
Are there any special programs or features available in Boeing's new 401(k) plan?
Yes, Boeing's 401(k) plan offers features such as the Student Loan Match, which allows eligible employees to count their student loan payments toward their 401(k) match. Additionally, the plan includes immediate 100% vesting of Boeing’s contributions, various contribution options (pre-tax, Roth, and after-tax), and a range of investment options.
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Let TrueWealth Help You Prepare for a Better Future
Navigating these Boeing retirement changes can be complex. Fortunately, you don't have to do it all alone.
At TrueWealth Financial Partners, we specialize in helping Boeing employees like you understand and optimize your retirement strategy. Our team of experienced financial advisors is dedicated to providing personalized guidance tailored to your unique needs and goals.
Whether you're looking to maximize your 401(k) contributions, understand the impact of recent healthcare adjustments, or explore the best investment options, TrueWealth is here to help. We offer comprehensive financial planning services that include retirement planning, investment management, and estate planning. Our goal is to ensure you have a clear, actionable plan that aligns with your vision for the future.
Contact TrueWealth Financial Partners today to schedule a free consultation. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about how the recent Boeing retirement changes may impact you.
Let’s talk.