McDonald's (corporate) 401(k) at a glance
| Employer match | McDonald's matches 100% of what you contribute, up to 6% of eligible pay, after one year of service and age 21. |
|---|---|
| Maximum match | 6% of pay |
| Contribution needed for full match | 6% of pay |
| Vesting | ImmediateAll contributions, including the company match, are 100% vested immediately. |
| Eligibility | Staff and restaurant management employees can contribute after one full calendar month; crew, interns and VPs and above can contribute after one year. The match starts after one year of eligibility service and age 21. |
| Automatic enrollment | Restaurant management employees are auto-enrolled at 3% after one year of service and age 21, with 1% yearly increases up to 6%. |
| Roth 401(k) option | Yes |
| Pension | NoThe 401(k) Plan is the only tax-qualified retirement plan McDonald's maintains. |
| Plan provider | Empower |
| Who this applies to | US employees on the payroll of McDonald's Corporation and participating subsidiaries, including company-owned restaurants. Not employees of franchisees. |
How much is the McDonald's (corporate) match worth?
If you contribute 6% of your pay, McDonald's (corporate) adds the full match. Here is what that means at different salaries, per year, before investment growth:
| Salary | You contribute (6%) | McDonald's (corporate) match |
|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $2,400 | $2,400 |
| $60,000 | $3,600 | $3,600 |
| $90,000 | $5,400 | $5,400 |
| $150,000 | $9,000 | $9,000 |
Illustration based on the plan terms above. Your actual match depends on eligible pay, timing and plan rules.
Good to know
- About 95% of McDonald's restaurants are franchised. Workers at franchised restaurants are employed by the independent franchisee and are not covered by this plan; their retirement benefits depend on the franchisee.
- Highly compensated employees have a delayed contribution start in their second calendar year.
Other McDonald's (corporate) retirement benefits
- Year-end true-up of the match
- Since 2025, employees can choose to receive the match as Roth money
- Loans up to $50,000
How to make the most of your McDonald's (corporate) 401(k)
- Always get the full match. Contribute at least 6% of pay. It is an instant return you cannot get anywhere else.
- Check your vesting date before you change jobs, so you do not leave unvested money behind.
- Pre-tax or Roth? If you expect a higher tax rate in retirement, Roth contributions can pay off. Model it with our Roth conversion calculator.
- Watch fees and prefer low-cost index or target-date funds in the plan lineup.
- Plan the whole picture: see how your state taxes retirement income before you decide where to retire.
Frequently asked questions
Does McDonald's (corporate) match 401(k) contributions?
McDonald's matches 100% of what you contribute, up to 6% of eligible pay, after one year of service and age 21.
When does the McDonald's (corporate) 401(k) match vest?
All contributions, including the company match, are 100% vested immediately.
When can I join the McDonald's (corporate) 401(k)?
Staff and restaurant management employees can contribute after one full calendar month; crew, interns and VPs and above can contribute after one year. The match starts after one year of eligibility service and age 21.
Does McDonald's (corporate) offer a pension?
The 401(k) Plan is the only tax-qualified retirement plan McDonald's maintains.
How much should I contribute to get the full McDonald's (corporate) match?
Contribute at least 6% of your pay. Anything less leaves part of the match unclaimed.
Sources (last verified 2025)
- McDonald's Corporation 401(k) Plan Form 11-K for 2025 — SEC EDGAR (2026-06-18)
- McDonald's Corporation Form 10-K for 2025 — SEC EDGAR (2026)
Educational content only, not tax, legal or investment advice. Plans and tax laws change; confirm details with your employer's plan documents or your state revenue department. Smart Financial Lifestyle is not affiliated with any employer named on this site.