Los Alamos National Labs with logo 2021

Retirement Plans

A comprehensive benefits package with plan options for health care and retirement to take care of our employees today and tomorrow.

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A selection of plans for your future

It’s never too early to start saving for retirement, which is why the Laboratory offers a variety of retirement savings plans to help you meet your retirement goals.

We have also partnered with our carriers to ensure our employees have access to a variety of financial resources and the latest financial tools to make saving for retirement easy.

401(k)

The Lab offers employees a 401(k) retirement plan that allows you to save and invest a piece of your paycheck before taxes are taken out. Taxes are not paid until the money is distributed to you. Employees that meet the annual pre-tax contribution limit can elect to continue contributions on an after-tax basis.

Roth 401(k)

LANL offers a Roth 401(k) retirement savings option to employees who participate in the LANL 401(k) Retirement Plan. The Roth 401(k) option differs from a traditional 401(k) in two specific ways:

  • Contributions are made on an after-tax basis.
  • There are limits on when withdrawals from the account may begin after retirement.

Company match

The Lab will match your contributions to the 401(k) and Roth 401(k) up to 6% of your eligible compensation per pay period.

You may contribute 1% to 50% of your eligible compensation towards those plans if you choose, but the dollar-for-dollar match is limited to 6% of your eligible compensation and will be made on a pre-tax basis regardless of the plans (or combination of plans) to which you contribute.

Non-elective employer contribution

In addition to the company match, you will also receive an annual non-elective employer contribution to your 401(k) plan. The amount of the non-elective employer contribution is based on your years of service and your eligible compensation:

0 to <5 years 3.5% LANL contribution
5 to <10 years 4.5% LANL contribution
10+ years 5.5% LANL contribution

For specific information regarding annual contribution limits, visit the IRS website.

More information