Teachers · Public Employees
Washington Teacher Pension Calculator 2026
Washington DRS Teachers' Retirement System Plan 3 (TRS 3). See your exact monthly pension, vesting timeline, and COLA-adjusted income — free, no sign-up.
Pension multiplier
DC plan
Social Security
Yes
Vesting
5 years
COLA
3.0% fixed annual
Your teacher pension breakdown
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About the Washington DRS Teachers' Retirement System Plan 3 (TRS 3)
The Washington DRS Teachers' Retirement System Plan 3 (TRS 3) is Washington's primary retirement plan for public school teachers. It operates as a <strong>defined contribution or hybrid</strong> plan, so your retirement income depends partly on investment returns.
Vesting: You must complete 5 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 Washington DRS Teachers' Retirement System Plan 3 (TRS 3) provides a 3.0% fixed annual COLA, helping your pension maintain purchasing power through retirement.
Employee contribution rate: Washington teachers contribute 5.0% of their salary to the pension system each year.
Important note: TRS Plan 3: DB (1.0% employer-funded) + DC (employee-funded). Employee contribution goes almost entirely to DC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Washington have Social Security for teachers?
Yes. Washington teachers participate in Social Security alongside the Washington DRS Teachers' Retirement System Plan 3 (TRS 3) pension, giving you two sources of guaranteed retirement income.
How many years to vest in the Washington DRS Teachers' Retirement System Plan 3 (TRS 3)?
You need 5 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 Washington teacher pension formula?
Washington uses a hybrid plan. Your income depends on contributions and investment returns, not a fixed formula.
Does the Washington DRS Teachers' Retirement System Plan 3 (TRS 3) have a COLA?
Yes — a 3.0% fixed annual annual adjustment. Use the calculator above to see how COLA compounds your income over 10 and 20 years.
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