Tesla 401(k) at a glance
| Employer match | Tesla matches 50% of the first 6% of pay you contribute, capped at $3,000 a year. |
|---|---|
| Maximum match | 3% of pay, up to $3,000 a year |
| Contribution needed for full match | 6% of pay |
| Vesting | 1 years to fully vestMatching contributions vest 100% after one year of service. |
| Roth 401(k) option | Yes |
| Pension | No |
| Stock purchase plan | Employees can put up to 15% of base pay into the ESPP and buy Tesla stock at a 15% discount. |
| Plan provider | Fidelity |
| Who this applies to | US employees |
How much is the Tesla match worth?
If you contribute 6% of your pay, Tesla adds the full match. Here is what that means at different salaries, per year, before investment growth:
| Salary | You contribute (6%) | Tesla match |
|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $2,400 | $1,200 |
| $60,000 | $3,600 | $1,800 |
| $90,000 | $5,400 | $2,700 |
| $150,000 | $9,000 | $3,000 |
Illustration based on the plan terms above. Your actual match depends on eligible pay, timing and plan rules.
Good to know
- Tesla started the match on 2022-01-01 and calls it discretionary, so it can change.
- ESPP and Roth details come from a weak source.
How to make the most of your Tesla 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 Tesla match 401(k) contributions?
Tesla matches 50% of the first 6% of pay you contribute, capped at $3,000 a year.
When does the Tesla 401(k) match vest?
Matching contributions vest 100% after one year of service.
How much should I contribute to get the full Tesla match?
Contribute at least 6% of your pay (the match is capped at $3,000 a year). Anything less leaves part of the match unclaimed.
Sources (last verified 2025)
- Tesla 401(k) matching program kicked off January 1, 2022 — Drive Tesla Canada (2022)
- Tesla gives its employees a boost — InvestmentNews (2022)
- Tesla Employee Perks & Benefits — Levels.fyi
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.