CalSTRS Retirement Calculator
Estimate your California State Teachers Retirement System pension for educators and school employees.
Your Teaching Career
Classic member - You have the 2% @ 60 formula
Average of highest 12 consecutive months (or 36 if hired after 1996)
Age Factor at 62: 2.40%
Max factor: 2.4% at age 63+
Your CalSTRS Estimate
Enter your teaching career information and click "Calculate My CalSTRS Benefit" to see your estimated pension.
CalSTRS Age Factor Tables
2% @ 60 (Classic Members)
For members hired before January 1, 2013
Max: 2.4% at age 63+
2% @ 62 (PEPRA Members)
For members hired on/after January 1, 2013
Max: 2.3% at age 65+
No Social Security
Most CalSTRS members do not pay into Social Security. Your CalSTRS pension is your primary retirement income.
2% Annual COLA
CalSTRS provides a 2% purchasing power protection benefit based on your initial benefit amount.
403(b) Supplement
Many teachers supplement CalSTRS with a 403(b) plan. Consider diversifying with different asset classes.
Understanding CalSTRS Retirement
Dedicated to Educators
CalSTRS serves over 975,000 California educators - teachers, administrators, counselors, and other school employees.
No Social Security
Most CalSTRS members do not participate in Social Security. Your CalSTRS pension is your primary retirement income source.
Second Largest Educator Fund
CalSTRS is the largest educator-only pension fund in the U.S. and second largest overall, managing over $300 billion.
Purchasing Power Protection
CalSTRS provides a 2% annual benefit adjustment to help maintain your purchasing power throughout retirement.
CalSTRS Benefit Changes Timeline
Final compensation based on highest 12 months
Most favorable calculation period
Final compensation based on highest 36 months for new hires
Longer averaging period
PEPRA enacted - 2% @ 62 formula for new members
Higher retirement age, lower maximum factor
Increased contribution rates to improve funding
Higher member contributions
Important: Most CalSTRS Members Have No Social Security
Unlike workers in most professions, California public school educators typically do not participate in Social Security. This means your CalSTRS pension is your primary (and often only) guaranteed retirement income. This makes supplemental savings even more critical.
Windfall Elimination Provision
If you have Social Security credits from other employment, your SS benefit may be reduced due to WEP. Plan accordingly.
Government Pension Offset
Spousal Social Security benefits may also be reduced. Understanding these rules is essential for retirement planning.
Supplementing Your Teacher Pension
Since most California teachers don't have Social Security, building additional retirement savings is essential.
403(b) Plans
Available to most school employees, a 403(b) allows pre-tax contributions up to $23,000/year ($30,500 if 50+).
457(b) Deferred Compensation
Some districts offer 457(b) plans with an additional $23,000 contribution limit - on top of your 403(b)!
Roth IRA
Contribute up to $7,000/year ($8,000 if 50+) with after-tax dollars. Qualified withdrawals are tax-free in retirement.
Gold IRA
Roll over 403(b), 457(b), or other retirement funds into physical gold. Provides inflation protection beyond CalSTRS's 2% COLA.
CalSTRS Calculator FAQ
How is my CalSTRS pension calculated?v
CalSTRS uses the formula: Service Credit x Age Factor x Final Compensation. Your age factor depends on your retirement age and whether you're a classic (2% @ 60) or PEPRA (2% @ 62) member. For example, 30 years x 2% x $80,000 = $48,000/year.
What is the difference between 2% @ 60 and 2% @ 62?v
The 2% @ 60 formula applies to members hired before January 1, 2013. At age 60, they receive 2% per year of service with a maximum of 2.4% at age 63. PEPRA members (hired 2013+) have 2% @ 62, reaching maximum 2.3% at age 65 with a higher minimum retirement age of 55.
Can I retire early from CalSTRS?v
Yes, classic members can retire as early as age 50, and PEPRA members at age 55. However, your age factor (and therefore benefit) is significantly reduced. For example, a classic member retiring at 55 receives only 1.56% per year versus 2% at age 60.
How does the CalSTRS COLA work?v
CalSTRS provides a 2% purchasing power protection (COLA) based on your initial benefit amount. This is a simple 2% of your starting benefit added each year - not compound interest. Over 20 years, this adds 40% to your original benefit.
Why don't California teachers have Social Security?v
California chose not to participate in Social Security for public school educators, instead providing retirement benefits solely through CalSTRS. This means your pension planning is particularly important, as CalSTRS is likely your only guaranteed retirement income.
Important Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates only. Actual CalSTRS benefits depend on your specific employment history, service credit purchases, unused sick leave, and other factors. For official benefit estimates, please use the myCalSTRS online portal or contact CalSTRS directly. This is not financial advice.
California Teachers: Protect Your Pension Purchasing Power
With no Social Security and only a 2% COLA, many California educators supplement their CalSTRS pension with a Gold IRA to maintain purchasing power during retirement.