Teachers · Public Employees
Minnesota Teacher Pension Calculator 2026
Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) of Minnesota. See your exact monthly pension, vesting timeline, and COLA-adjusted income — free, no sign-up.
Pension multiplier
1.9%
Social Security
Yes
Vesting
3 years
COLA
1.0% fixed annual
Your teacher pension breakdown
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About the Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) of Minnesota
The Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) of Minnesota is Minnesota's primary retirement plan for public school teachers. It is a <strong>defined benefit</strong> plan, meaning your retirement income is guaranteed by formula — not dependent on market performance.
Your monthly pension is calculated as: Years of Service × 1.9% × Final Average Salary (averaged over your highest 5 years). For example, a teacher with 30 years of service and a $70,000 final average salary would receive approximately $3,325/month before any deductions.
Vesting: You must complete 3 years of service to vest. Before that point, leaving the system means forfeiting your pension benefit entirely (though you can withdraw your own contributions).
Cost-of-living adjustments (COLA): The Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) of Minnesota provides a 1.0% fixed annual COLA, helping your pension maintain purchasing power through retirement.
Employee contribution rate: Minnesota teachers contribute 7.5% of their salary to the pension system each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Minnesota have Social Security for teachers?
Yes. Minnesota teachers participate in Social Security alongside the Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) of Minnesota pension, giving you two sources of guaranteed retirement income.
How many years to vest in the Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) of Minnesota?
You need 3 years of service to vest. Once vested, you are entitled to a pension at normal retirement age even if you leave teaching before then.
What is the Minnesota teacher pension formula?
Your monthly pension = Years of Service × 1.9% × Final Average Salary (highest 5-year average). A teacher with 30 years and $70,000 FAS earns ~$3,325/month.
Does the Teachers Retirement Association (TRA) of Minnesota have a COLA?
Yes — a 1.0% fixed annual annual adjustment. Use the calculator above to see how COLA compounds your income over 10 and 20 years.
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