Retirement Calculators
CalSTRS Retirement Calculator
Service credit × age factor × final compensation — using the official CalSTRS formula, for both the 2% at 60 (classic) and 2% at 62 (PEPRA) benefit structures.
Estimate your CalSTRS pension
Pick your benefit structure — it's set by when you first joined CalSTRS.
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Age factors below 60 (2% at 60) or below 55 (2% at 62) use an approximated linear interpolation between CalSTRS's published anchor points, since the official table increases in small quarterly increments. Confirm your exact figure at myCalSTRS.org. This tool doesn't model unused sick leave credit or service credit purchases, which can add to your real benefit.
The official CalSTRS formula
CalSTRS calculates your defined-benefit pension with three inputs: Age factor × Service credit × Final compensation = Monthly benefit. Each of the three factors is worth understanding on its own, since small changes in any one of them compound into a meaningfully different pension.
Two benefit structures — set by your hire date, not your choice
| Feature | 2% at 60 (Classic) | 2% at 62 (PEPRA) |
|---|---|---|
| Applies to | Hired before Jan 1, 2013 | Hired Jan 1, 2013 or later |
| Standard age factor | 2.0% at age 60 | 2.0% at age 62 |
| Maximum age factor | 2.4% at age 63+ | 2.4% at age 65+ |
| Minimum retirement age | 50 (reduced factor) | 55 (reduced factor) |
| Career factor (30+ years service) | +0.2%, capped at 2.4% total | Not available |
| Final compensation basis | Highest single year (25+ yrs service) or highest 3-yr average | Always highest 3-yr average |
Which structure applies to you isn't a choice — it's determined entirely by when you first became a CalSTRS member, with January 1, 2013 as the dividing line under California's Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA).
A worked example, straight from CalSTRS's own materials
Why the career factor only helps classic members
If you're a 2% at 60 member with 30 or more years of service credit, CalSTRS adds a 0.2% career factor bonus to your age factor, up to the same 2.4% cap. A 2% at 62 (PEPRA) member with the same 30+ years of service doesn't get this bonus — it simply isn't part of that benefit structure, regardless of how long you've worked.
What this pension typically replaces
On average, a CalSTRS pension replaces roughly 50% to 60% of a career educator's final salary. Because CalSTRS members generally don't pay into Social Security through their teaching position, most financial guidance suggests aiming to replace 80% to 90% of final income in retirement overall — meaning personal savings (a 403(b), 457(b), or IRA) typically need to fill a meaningful gap beyond the pension alone.
Formula and age factor anchor points verified directly against CalSTRS's own official "Understanding the Formula" publications and age factor page (calstrs.com), including an exact match against CalSTRS's own published worked example. This is a planning estimate — for your official, precise benefit estimate, use the calculator at myCalSTRS.org or contact CalSTRS directly.
Frequently asked questions
Before you plan around your CalSTRS pension.
What is the CalSTRS benefit formula?
Age factor × years of service credit × final compensation = your monthly pension benefit. All three factors matter, and small changes in any of them compound into a meaningfully different total.
How do I know if I'm 2% at 60 or 2% at 62?
It's based entirely on when you first became a CalSTRS member: before January 1, 2013 means 2% at 60 (classic); on or after that date means 2% at 62 (PEPRA). Check your myCalSTRS account or Annual Member Statement to confirm.
What is the career factor?
A 0.2% bonus added to your age factor if you're a 2% at 60 member with 30 or more years of service credit, capped at the same 2.4% maximum. It's not available to 2% at 62 (PEPRA) members.
Can I retire before age 60 (or 55)?
Yes — the minimum retirement age is 50 for 2% at 60 members and 55 for 2% at 62 members, but your age factor is significantly reduced at those earlier ages, meaningfully lowering your monthly benefit.
Does CalSTRS include Social Security?
Most CalSTRS members don't pay into Social Security through their teaching position, which is part of why financial guidance generally recommends building substantial personal retirement savings alongside the pension.