High-3 Salary Calculator
Calculate your High-3 average salary - the single most important number for determining your FERS pension benefit.
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Understanding Your High-3
Your High-3 is the average of your highest basic pay earned during any 36 consecutive months of service. This is usually your final three years of federal service, but it doesn't have to be.
Why It Matters
Your FERS pension is calculated using this formula:
High-3 × Years of Service × Multiplier
The multiplier is 1% (or 1.1% if retiring at 62+ with 20+ years)
What Counts as Basic Pay?
- Included: Base salary, locality pay, special salary rates
- Not Included: Overtime, bonuses, awards, differential pay, TSP contributions
Planning Tips
- Consider timing promotions to maximize your High-3
- Remember that pay increases in your final years have the biggest impact
- Step increases and COLAs can significantly boost your High-3 over time
High-3 Salary Estimator
Your High-3 is the single most important number for your FERS pension. Calculate yours here.
Important Notes
- This calculator provides an estimate based on the salaries you enter
- Your actual High-3 will be calculated by your agency's HR department using your official pay records
- The 36 months must be consecutive - you can't pick and choose individual months
- If you had breaks in service, only continuous periods count
- Part-time service is prorated based on your work schedule
Common Scenarios
- Steady increases: If your salary has increased steadily, your last 3 years will likely be your High-3
- Took a lower position: If you took a voluntary downgrade, your High-3 might be from an earlier period
- Recent promotion: A significant promotion near retirement can substantially boost your High-3