Plug in your current savings, 403b contributions, pension details, and years to retirement. Get an honest, personalized picture of where you stand — and exactly what to do next.
Nursing careers are demanding — and the physical toll means many nurses can't or don't want to work into their late 60s. But only 34% of nurses feel financially prepared for retirement. Whether you're 28 and just starting out or 52 and doing the math for the first time, this calculator gives you a real, honest answer about where you stand.
It accounts for the things that make nurse finances unique: shift differentials, travel nurse income, 403(b) plans, pensions, irregular schedules, and the fact that many nurses work per diem or PRN for years before settling into full-time roles. Generic retirement calculators miss all of this. This one doesn't.
Nurses need $1.2–1.8 million saved to replace their income in retirement. Based on the 4% rule, if you want $70,000/year in retirement income, you need a $1.75 million portfolio. The earlier you start, the less painful it is to get there.
Input your current age, target retirement age, current retirement savings, monthly contributions, and whether you have a pension. The more accurate your inputs, the more useful the results.
Include base salary, shift differentials, travel nursing income if applicable, and employer 403(b) match percentage. These details make a significant difference in your projected savings trajectory.
Get a projected retirement income, a readiness assessment, a gap analysis if you're behind, and specific action steps ranked by impact — like increasing your 403(b) contribution or capturing full employer match.
See how your current 403(b) balance and contributions will grow over time with compound interest, including employer match optimization.
If you have a defined benefit pension, the calculator factors in your vesting schedule and estimated monthly benefit alongside your investment accounts.
Calculates estimated Social Security benefits based on your income history and projected claiming age to give you the full retirement income picture.
Model how a few years of travel nursing — with tax-free stipends and higher pay — could dramatically accelerate your retirement timeline.
Find the exact contribution increase needed to hit your target — whether that's $50/month more or maxing out your 403(b) at $23,500/year.
Compare retiring at 55, 60, 62, and 65 side-by-side to see how each year of additional work (or savings) changes your financial security.
Most financial planners recommend saving 15% of your gross income for retirement. For the average RN earning $98,430/year, that's roughly $14,765/year. To retire comfortably, nurses typically need $1.2–1.8 million saved, depending on expected lifestyle and location. The 4% rule is a common benchmark: if you need $60,000/year in retirement, aim for $1.5 million in savings.
It depends on where you work. Nurses at government hospitals, VA medical centers, and some large health systems may have defined benefit pension plans. Many private hospital systems have moved to 403(b) plans with employer matching instead. Union nurses are more likely to retain pension benefits. Check your HR documents or ask your benefits coordinator directly.
A 403(b) is a tax-advantaged retirement plan for nonprofit organization employees, including most hospital nurses. Like a 401(k), you contribute pre-tax dollars that grow tax-deferred. In 2026, the contribution limit is $23,500/year (plus a $7,500 catch-up if you're 50+). Many hospitals match 3–6% of contributions — always contribute at least enough to capture the full match.
Yes — many nurses pursue FIRE strategies. Travel nursing can accelerate savings significantly, with some travel nurses saving $40,000–60,000/year. The key factors are your savings rate, investment returns, and healthcare coverage (most nurses retire before Medicare eligibility at 65). The average nurse currently retires at 62, but retiring at 55–58 is achievable with planning.
Less than they should. Only 34% of nurses feel financially prepared for retirement. The median retirement savings for Americans in their 50s is around $185,000 — well below the $1.2–1.8 million most nurses need. Starting early and capturing the full employer match are the two highest-impact steps you can take immediately.
Most non-profit hospitals offer 403(b) plans; for-profit systems and staffing agencies offer 401(k). Functionally they're nearly identical in 2026 contribution limits ($23,500 under 50, catch-up for 50+), but 403(b) plans historically had fewer low-cost index fund options. Check your plan's expense ratios — if your 403(b) only offers funds with 1%+ expense ratios, contribute only up to the employer match and put additional retirement savings into a Roth IRA or taxable brokerage.
Most staffing agencies offer a basic 401(k), but with minimal or no employer match. This is one of the biggest hidden costs of traveling: losing an employer match worth 3–6% of salary per year. Travelers can still contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA ($7,000 limit in 2026, $8,000 over 50), and those with self-employment income from per-diem work can open a solo 401(k) with dramatically higher contribution limits.
General rule: Roth during lower-income years (new grad, part-time), traditional during peak earning years (senior bedside, management, CRNA). Many nurses benefit from a mix. The standard "max Roth IRA before 403(b) beyond the match" strategy works for most staff nurses. Travel nurses with irregular income should revisit this every year.
This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment, tax, or financial advice. Retirement projections depend on assumptions about rate of return, inflation, and tax rates that may not reflect your situation — consult a licensed fiduciary financial advisor before making retirement decisions. Some external links may be affiliate links — see full disclosure.