Overview
The earnings included in the calculation of your final average earnings (FAE), which is used to determine your NYSLRS pension, may be limited. If you earn more than the limit, it will not be factored into your pension and your employer should not withhold member contributions from earnings above the limit.
For Members Who Joined NYSLRS On or After April 1, 1996
Internal Revenue Code Section 401(a)(17) limits the earnings used in the calculation of pension benefits. The amount is set by federal law and periodically adjusted for inflation.
Refer to the table below for the maximum amount of earnings that can be used in your FAE calculation.
Earnings Period | Earnings Limit |
|---|---|
April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025 | $345,000 |
April 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024 | $330,000 |
April 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023 | $305,000 |
April 1, 2021 – March 31, 2020 | $290,000 |
April 1, 2020 – March 31, 2021 | $285,000 |
April 1, 2019 – March 31, 2020 | $280,000 |
April 1, 2018 – March 31, 2019 | $275,000 |
April 1, 2017 – March 31, 2018 | $270,000 |
For Members of Tier 6 (Joined NYSLRS On or After April 1, 2012)
New York State Retirement and Social Security Law limits the earnings used in the calculation of pension benefits. The amount cannot exceed the Governor’s salary.
Refer to the table below for the maximum amount of earnings that can be used in your FAE calculation.
Earnings Period | Earnings Limit |
|---|---|
April 1, 2024 – March 31, 2025 | $250,000 |
April 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024 | $250,000 |
April 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023 | $250,000 |
April 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022 | $250,000 |
April 1, 2020 – March 31, 2021 | $231,250 |
April 1, 2019 – March 31, 2020 | $206,250 |
April 1, 2018 – March 31, 2019 | $184,250 |
April 1, 2017 – March 31, 2018 | $179,000 |
April 1, 2016 – March 31, 2017 | $179,000 |
April 1, 2015 – March 31, 2016 | $179,000 |
April 1, 2014 – March 31, 2015 | $179,000 |
April 1, 2013 – March 31, 2014 | $179,000 |
April 1, 2012 – March 31, 2013 | $179,000 |
How the Earnings Limit is Calculated
The earnings limit is applied on a State fiscal year (April 1 – March 31). When the Governor's salary increases at the beginning of a calendar year, the earnings limit is prorated.
For reference, the Governor’s salary is provided in the chart below.
Earnings Period | The Governor’s Salary |
|---|---|
Beginning January 1, 2021 | $250,000 |
January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 | $225,000 |
January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019 | $200,000 |
April 1, 2012 through December 31, 2018 | $179,000 |
For More Information
Find your retirement plan publication for comprehensive information about your retirement benefits and how your pension will be calculated.
Rev. 3/25