Sherwin-Williams 401(k) at a glance
| Employer match | Sherwin-Williams matches 100% of the first 6% of pay you contribute, starting the quarter after your first anniversary. |
|---|---|
| Maximum match | 6% of pay |
| Contribution needed for full match | 6% of pay |
| Vesting | 3 years to fully vestEmployees hired on or after January 1, 2017 must complete three years of vesting service for company contributions. Earlier hires vest immediately. |
| Eligibility | Salaried employees can contribute on hire. The match starts at the beginning of the quarter after your one-year anniversary. |
| Automatic enrollment | New hires are enrolled at 3% pre-tax, rising 1% a year up to 10%, unless they opt out. |
| Stock purchase plan | The plan has a Company Stock Fund that holds Sherwin-Williams shares. |
| Plan provider | Fidelity |
| Who this applies to | US salaried employees not in certain collective bargaining units |
How much is the Sherwin-Williams match worth?
If you contribute 6% of your pay, Sherwin-Williams adds the full match. Here is what that means at different salaries, per year, before investment growth:
| Salary | You contribute (6%) | Sherwin-Williams 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
- The match was suspended from October 1, 2025 and reinstated February 1, 2026.
- A make-up contribution of about $36 million for the paused period was paid to eligible participants on March 30, 2026.
Other Sherwin-Williams retirement benefits
- Default investment is a T. Rowe Price target-date fund
How to make the most of your Sherwin-Williams 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 Sherwin-Williams match 401(k) contributions?
Sherwin-Williams matches 100% of the first 6% of pay you contribute, starting the quarter after your first anniversary.
When does the Sherwin-Williams 401(k) match vest?
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2017 must complete three years of vesting service for company contributions. Earlier hires vest immediately.
When can I join the Sherwin-Williams 401(k)?
Salaried employees can contribute on hire. The match starts at the beginning of the quarter after your one-year anniversary.
How much should I contribute to get the full Sherwin-Williams match?
Contribute at least 6% of your pay. Anything less leaves part of the match unclaimed.
Sources (last verified 2026)
- Sherwin-Williams Company 401(k) Plan Form 11-K FY2025 — SEC EDGAR (2026-06-25)
- Sherwin-Williams halts contribution match to employees' retirement accounts — WOSU (2025-09-04)
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.