FERS High-3 Calculator
Calculate your FERS high-3 average salary based on projected salary growth. See how raises, promotions, and timing affect your highest 3 consecutive years of pay and your federal retirement annuity.
Salary Information
FERS Annuity Context
High-3 Growth Score
Your projected high-3 shows strong salary growth, maximizing your FERS annuity benefit.
High-3 Average
$123,989
Growth vs Current
+31%
High-3 Average
$123,989
$10,332/month
Growth Over Current
+$28,989
31% increase
Est. FERS Annuity
$2,841/mo
$34,097/year
FERS Multiplier
1.1%
Enhanced (age 62+, 20+ yrs)
Your Highest 3 Consecutive Years
Year 9
$120,343
Year 10
$123,953
Year 11
$127,672
High-3 Average
$123,989
Projected Salary by Year
Your highest 3 consecutive years are highlighted
Full Salary Projection
| Year | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | In High-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $95,000 | $7,917 | -- |
| Year 2 | $97,850 | $8,154 | -- |
| Year 3 | $100,786 | $8,399 | -- |
| Year 4 | $103,809 | $8,651 | -- |
| Year 5 | $106,923 | $8,910 | -- |
| Year 6 | $110,131 | $9,178 | -- |
| Year 7 | $113,435 | $9,453 | -- |
| Year 8 | $116,838 | $9,737 | -- |
| Year 9 | $120,343 | $10,029 | Top 3 |
| Year 10 | $123,953 | $10,329 | Top 3 |
| Year 11 | $127,672 | $10,639 | Top 3 |
Personalized Insights
Actionable recommendations based on your numbers
High-3 Is 31% Above Current Salary
Your projected high-3 average of $123,989 is significantly higher than your current salary of $95,000. This growth directly increases your FERS annuity.
Impact of an Extra 1% Annual Raise
If your annual raise increased by 1% (to 4%), your final year salary would be $140,623 instead of $127,672 -- a difference of $12,951. This would meaningfully increase your high-3 and lifetime pension.
Projected FERS Annuity: $2,841/month
Based on your high-3 of $123,989 and 25 years of service at the 1.1% multiplier, your estimated annual FERS annuity is $34,097.
Enhanced 1.1% Multiplier Applies
Retiring at 62 with 25 years of service qualifies you for the 1.1% multiplier. This adds $3,100/year compared to the standard 1% rate.
Maximize Pay in Your Final 3 Years
Your high-3 is based on your highest 3 consecutive years of basic pay. Focus on earning the highest salary possible during those years through promotions, grade increases, or special pay rates. Overtime and bonuses typically do not count toward high-3.
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