Wisconsin · Free tool
Wisconsin WRS Retirement Calculator
The Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) calculates a formula benefit as your final average earnings multiplied by a 1.6% multiplier multiplied by your years of creditable service, adjusted for your retirement age. Enter your numbers below for a formula-benefit estimate.
Enter your numbers. The percentage is pre-filled with the Wisconsin WRS factor that fits most members; adjust it for your class or tier.
WRS General/Teacher multiplier is 1.6% (post-1999 service), on final average earnings (3 highest years), capped at 70% and reduced for early retirement. At retirement you get the HIGHER of this formula or a money-purchase amount, this tool estimates the formula only. Confirm with Wisconsin ETF.
Your estimated Wisconsin WRS pension
Updates as you type.
Educational estimate only, not financial advice. Uses a simplified Wisconsin WRS formula and your inputs; your real benefit varies by class, service, age, and salary rules.
How the Wisconsin WRS formula works
For the General/Teacher category, WRS uses a 1.6% multiplier on service earned after 1999 (1.765% applied to earlier service). Final average earnings is the average of your three highest years. The formula benefit is capped at 70% of final average earnings, and an age-reduction factor applies if you retire before your normal retirement age.
WRS is unusual: at retirement you receive the higher of two calculations, this formula benefit, or a money-purchase amount based on the total value of your account (your and your employer's contributions plus investment earnings). This calculator estimates the formula side only. The money-purchase result can be larger, especially after strong market years, so treat this as a floor. Wisconsin teachers also pay into Social Security. Use the full Teacher Retirement Calculator to combine your pension with your 403(b)/457(b) and Social Security, or read what the WEP and GPO repeal means for teachers.
Questions
How is a Wisconsin WRS pension calculated?
The WRS formula benefit multiplies your final average earnings by a 1.6% multiplier by your years of creditable service, then applies an age-reduction factor if you retire early. For example, 30 years at a $60,000 final average earnings is 1.6% × $60,000 × 30 = $28,800 per year before any age reduction.
What is the money-purchase method in WRS?
When you retire, WRS pays the higher of two amounts: the formula benefit, or a money-purchase annuity based on the total value of your account (your contributions, employer contributions, and investment earnings) times an age factor. This calculator estimates only the formula benefit, so your actual benefit could be higher.
Do Wisconsin teachers get Social Security?
Yes. Wisconsin teachers pay into Social Security, so most receive a WRS benefit plus a Social Security benefit. Adding any 403(b) or 457(b) savings completes the picture.