Texas TRS Retirement Calculator: Estimate Your Teacher Pension
Calculate your Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) pension. Understand the Rule of 80 and plan for Texas educator retirement.
Key Takeaways
- 1Texas TRS serves 1.9+ million Texas public education employees
- 2Rule of 80: Age + years of service = 80 for full benefits
- 3Standard multiplier is 2.3% per year of service
- 4Most Texas teachers don't receive Social Security
- 5Use MyTRS portal for personalized estimates
- 6Consider supplementing pension with 403(b) or 457
What Is Texas TRS?
The Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) is one of the largest public retirement systems in the country, serving Texas public education employees.
- 1.9+ million members (active and retired)
- $200+ billion in assets
- Covers public K-12, higher education, and other public education employees
- Defined benefit pension - guaranteed by formula
- Most members do not participate in Social Security
No Social Security
Most Texas TRS members don't have Social Security from their teaching career. Your TRS pension may be your primary retirement income.
The Rule of 80 Explained
Texas TRS uses the "Rule of 80" for full retirement eligibility. When your age plus years of service equals 80, you're eligible for unreduced benefits.
| Age | Years of Service | Sum | Eligible? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55 | 25 | 80 | Yes - Rule of 80 met |
| 60 | 20 | 80 | Yes - Rule of 80 met |
| 65 | 5 | 70 | Yes - Minimum age/service |
| 52 | 25 | 77 | No - Early retirement reduction |
Alternative Eligibility
You can also retire at age 65 with 5 years of service, or any age with 30 years of service (but Rule of 80 provides unreduced benefits).
Texas TRS Pension Formula
The TRS pension formula is: Years of Service × 2.3% × Final Average Salary = Annual Pension.
- **Standard multiplier**: 2.3% per year of service
- **Final Average Salary**: Highest 5 years of salary
- **Maximum benefit**: 100% of final average salary (after ~43 years)
Example Calculation
Teacher with 30 years of service and $70,000 final average salary: 30 × 2.3% × $70,000 = $48,300 annual pension (69% replacement).
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How to Calculate Your TRS Pension
Use these steps to estimate your Texas TRS benefit.
- 1Log into MyTRS at mytrs.texas.gov
- 2Access your Benefit Estimate
- 3Review your credited years of service
- 4Determine your final average salary (highest 5 years)
- 5Apply the formula: Years × 2.3% × Salary
- 6Check if you meet Rule of 80 for unreduced benefits
- 7If retiring early, calculate reduction (5% per year before Rule of 80)
- 8Consider partial lump sum option (if applicable)
Supplementing Your TRS Pension
Without Social Security, your TRS pension may be your primary retirement income. Many Texas teachers supplement with additional savings.
- Texas 403(b) and 457(b) plans available
- TRS also offers the 403(b) program
- No early withdrawal penalty on 457 plans
- Roll to IRA when you leave or retire
- Gold IRA provides inflation hedge
- Diversify beyond pension tied to Texas economy
- Augusta Precious Metals helps with 403(b)/457 rollovers
Frequently Asked Questions
1What is the TRS partial lump sum option?
TRS offers PLSO (Partial Lump Sum Option) that lets you receive up to 36 months of your standard annuity as a lump sum at retirement, with a reduced monthly benefit.
2Does Texas TRS provide COLA?
TRS COLAs are not automatic - they require legislative approval. The last significant COLA was in 2013. This makes supplemental savings important.
3Can I work after TRS retirement?
Yes, but with restrictions if returning to TRS-covered employment. You must wait one full calendar month, and there are hour limits depending on when you retired.
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