- Most Idaho teachers and school employees belong to the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI). They are general members of the PERSI Base Plan, a defined benefit pension.Member Handbook (2019), p. 9; PERSI Plan Comparison Chart (01/07/2026)
- PERSI also runs the Choice 401(k) Plan, a voluntary savings plan open to anyone eligible for the Base Plan. It is separate from your pension.Member Handbook (2019), pp. 9, 13
- Eligible employees of Idaho's state universities and community colleges may choose the Optional Retirement Program, a defined contribution plan, instead of PERSI. This site covers the PERSI Base Plan.Member Handbook (2019), p. 9; FY2025 Financial Statements, Note 1, p. 20
What you and your school pay
School employees ("School Employee Member" on PERSI's rate table) pay these shares of salary. Contribution Rates web page, 'School Employee Member' rows
| From | You pay | Your employer |
|---|---|---|
| July 2022 | 7.16% | 11.94% |
| July 2023 | 7.62% | 12.69% |
| July 2024 | 8.08% | 13.48% |
| April 2025 | 8.08% | 13.48% |
| July 2027 | 8.08% | 13.48% |
The scheduled FY2028 increase was eliminated; rates stay the same. PERSI employer newsletter, July 2026 By law, the member rate is set at about 60% of the employer rate. PERSI FY2025 Financial Statements Note 1, p. 19 (member rate set by statute at 60% of the employer rate)
On a $54,000 salary, 8.08% is $4,363 a year.
Interest on your account
Your contributions earn the greater of 90% of the fiscal-year net investment return or 1%. Recent rates: 9.68% (2026), 7.91% (2025), 8.2% (2024), 1% (2023). Interest Credited to Member Accounts FAQ
Service and vesting
- You are vested after 60 months (5 years) of credited service. Vested members can get a lifetime monthly benefit at retirement.Member Handbook (2019), p. 10; Withdrawing Funds flyer (Nov. 2021)
- You earn one month of service for each calendar month you work 15 days or more in an eligible position, up to 12 months a year.Member Handbook (2019), p. 10; Credited Service flyer
The Choice 401(k) Plan
The PERSI Choice 401(k) Plan is a voluntary, always-vested savings plan open to anyone eligible for the Base Plan. Pre-tax and (since late 2025) Roth contributions; you choose your investments, with the Total Return Fund as the default. Loans and, from April 1, 2023, in-service withdrawals at 59 1/2 are allowed. It can pay for a service purchase at retirement. Record keeper: Empower (866-437-3774). 2026 IRS limits: $24,500, or $32,500 at 50 and older. Member Handbook (2019), pp. 13-20; Choice Plan SPD (2023); Choice 401(k) Plan web pages; active member newsletter Q4 2025
- The Choice 401(k) Plan is voluntary and always 100% vested. You can contribute pre-tax or Roth, choose investments (the default is the Total Return Fund) and take loans. Empower keeps the records (866-437-3774).Member Handbook (2019), pp. 13-17; Choice Plan SPD (2023); Choice 401(k) Plan web pages
- For 2026 you can put in up to $24,500, or $32,500 if you are 50 or older.Choice 401(k) Plan active members web page
This site's calculator covers the Base Plan pension only. See the benefit formula.
Questions
Are Idaho teachers in PERSI?
Yes. Teachers and other school employees are general members of the PERSI Base Plan, a pension paid monthly for life.
How much do Idaho teachers pay into PERSI?
School employees pay 8.08% of salary and their employer pays 13.48% (rates since April 2025).
What is the PERSI Choice 401(k) Plan?
A voluntary savings plan you can add on top of your pension. It's separate from the Base Plan and always fully yours.
Source: PERSI Member Handbook, Handbook revision July 2019, pp. 9, 10, 13-20, 13-17. Also: PERSI Plan Comparison Chart (2026); PERSI Financial Statements (FY2025); PERSI contribution rates page; PERSI newsletters; PERSI interest FAQ; PERSI Credited Service flyer; PERSI Withdrawing Funds flyer (Nov. 2021); PERSI Choice 401(k) Plan documents. Last reviewed .