FERS contribution rates: what you pay (0.8%, 3.1% or 4.4%) and why
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Published October 31, 2026 · By the OnPAR Federal Retirement Education editorial team · Last updated
Short answer: What you pay toward your FERS pension depends mainly on when you were first hired. For most regular employees, OPM lists 0.8% of pay if you were hired before 2013, 3.1% (FERS-RAE) if you were first hired in 2013, and 4.4% (FERS-FRAE) if you were first hired on or after January 1, 2014. Your basic FERS benefit is the same in all three groups.
FERS employee contribution rates (most regular employees)
| Group | Generally applies to | Employee rate |
|---|---|---|
| FERS | Entered service before calendar year 2013 | 0.8% of pay |
| FERS-RAE | Entered service during calendar year 2013 | 3.1% of pay |
| FERS-FRAE | Entered service on or after January 1, 2014 | 4.4% of pay |
Source: OPM FY 2025 Agency Financial Report. OPM explains that the 0.8% rate equals the CSRS rate (7.0%) minus the Social Security (OASDI) tax rate (6.2%). FERS-RAE was created by P.L. 112-96 and FERS-FRAE by P.L. 113-67. OPM notes there is no difference in the basic benefit paid to FERS, FERS-RAE and FERS-FRAE employees (Members of Congress and congressional staff are the exception).
Special-category employee rates
OPM's BAL 14-107 lists higher employee rates for special-provision groups:
| Category | FERS | FERS-RAE | FERS-FRAE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | 0.8% | 3.1% | 4.4% |
| Law enforcement, firefighters, air traffic controllers | 1.3% | 3.6% | 4.9% |
| Members of Congress | 1.3% | 3.1% | 4.4% |
Ask your HR office which code applies to you; your retirement plan code is on your SF-50.
Does it matter if I had earlier federal service?
Yes. OPM's BAL 14-107 says someone hired in 2014 or later is still in original FERS (0.8%) if, on December 31, 2012, they were covered by FERS, were performing civilian service creditable under FERS, or had already performed at least five years of civilian service creditable under FERS (including CSRS or CSRS-Offset service). Similar rules based on status as of December 31, 2013 decide who stays in FERS-RAE. Your HR office makes the determination.
What your agency pays (changed October 2026)
Agencies also contribute, and their rates changed. OPM's BAL 26-307 sets new agency rates effective the first pay period beginning on or after October 1, 2026:
| Group (regular employees) | Agency rate, Oct 2023 | Agency rate, Oct 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| FERS | 18.4% | 17.9% |
| FERS-RAE | 16.5% | 15.9% |
| FERS-FRAE | 16.5% | 15.9% |
These are agency costs; they don't change your paycheck deduction.
Education only, not financial advice. Sources: OPM FY 2025 Agency Financial Report; OPM BAL 14-107; OPM BAL 26-307.
Questions and answers
What are the FERS contribution rates?
For most regular employees OPM lists 0.8% of pay for FERS (entered before 2013), 3.1% for FERS-RAE (entered in 2013) and 4.4% for FERS-FRAE (entered on or after January 1, 2014).
Do FERS-FRAE employees get a bigger pension?
No. OPM says there is no difference in the FERS basic benefit paid to FERS, FERS-RAE and FERS-FRAE employees, except for Members of Congress and congressional employees.
What do law enforcement officers and firefighters pay?
OPM BAL 14-107 lists 1.3% under FERS, 3.6% under FERS-RAE and 4.9% under FERS-FRAE.