Morgan Stanley 401(k) at a glance
| Employer match | For 2025, most employees with eligible pay of $275,001 or less got a dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% of pay (max $13,750). Employees earning over $275,001, or those who get the fixed contribution, got a match up to 4% of pay (max $14,000). |
|---|---|
| Maximum match | 5% of pay, up to $14,000 a year |
| Contribution needed for full match | 5% of pay |
| Company contribution (no match needed) | Employees with eligible pay of $100,001 or less (not in financial-advisor sales roles) get a 2% fixed contribution whether or not they contribute. |
| Vesting | 3 years to fully vestCompany contributions vest fully after 3 years of service (cliff; no partial vesting). |
| Eligibility | US benefits-eligible full-time, part-time and hourly employees can join. You must be employed (or on approved leave) on December 31 to get that year's company contributions, which are paid in the first quarter of the next year. |
| Roth 401(k) option | Yes |
| Who this applies to | US benefits-eligible employees (union-covered staff only if their agreement provides it; Puerto Rico residents excluded) |
How much is the Morgan Stanley match worth?
If you contribute 5% of your pay, Morgan Stanley adds the full match. Here is what that means at different salaries, per year, before investment growth:
| Salary | You contribute (5%) | Morgan Stanley match | Company contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $2,000 | $2,000 | $800 |
| $60,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 | $1,200 |
| $90,000 | $4,500 | $4,500 | $1,800 |
| $150,000 | $7,500 | $7,500 | $3,000 |
Illustration based on the plan terms above. Your actual match depends on eligible pay, timing and plan rules.
Good to know
- The match is paid as an annual lump sum and is at the discretion of the plan sponsor.
- Senior Advisors and Advisory Directors are on the 4% match tier.
- Plan trustee is The Northern Trust Company.
Other Morgan Stanley retirement benefits
- Non-Roth after-tax contributions (limited to 1-9% for highly compensated employees)
- Participant loans
How to make the most of your Morgan Stanley 401(k)
- Always get the full match. Contribute at least 5% 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 Morgan Stanley match 401(k) contributions?
For 2025, most employees with eligible pay of $275,001 or less got a dollar-for-dollar match up to 5% of pay (max $13,750). Employees earning over $275,001, or those who get the fixed contribution, got a match up to 4% of pay (max $14,000). Employees with eligible pay of $100,001 or less (not in financial-advisor sales roles) get a 2% fixed contribution whether or not they contribute.
When does the Morgan Stanley 401(k) match vest?
Company contributions vest fully after 3 years of service (cliff; no partial vesting).
When can I join the Morgan Stanley 401(k)?
US benefits-eligible full-time, part-time and hourly employees can join. You must be employed (or on approved leave) on December 31 to get that year's company contributions, which are paid in the first quarter of the next year.
How much should I contribute to get the full Morgan Stanley match?
Contribute at least 5% of your pay (the match is capped at $14,000 a year). Anything less leaves part of the match unclaimed.
Sources (last verified 2025 plan year)
- Morgan Stanley 401(k) Plan Form 11-K for 2025 — SEC (2026-06-25)
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.