Public Pension Calculator

CalPERS vs CalSTRS — Side-by-Side

Two California public retirement systems, similar formulas, different details

DimensionCalPERSCalSTRS
Who's coveredState employees, local government employees, school classified staffK-12 certificated teachers, community college instructors, some administrators
Active members~2 million~900,000
Number of formulas32 (across School, State, Local categories)2 main (2% at 60 Classic, 2% at 62 PEPRA)
Classic reference ageVaries: 50 (safety) to 60 (some misc)60
PEPRA reference ageVaries: 57 (safety) to 62 (misc)62
Classic final compensationHighest 12-month averageHighest 12-month average
PEPRA final compensationHighest 36-month averageHighest 36-month average
Career factor (longevity bonus)NoYes — Classic only: +0.2% to benefit factor at 30+ years, max 2.4%
COLA cap2% per year (most formulas)2% per year
Social Security coverageVaries by employer/categoryNo — CalSTRS members do not pay into Social Security; WEP/GPO may apply
Survivor benefit optionsUnmodified, 100%, 75%, 50% continuanceMember-Only option plus several joint-and-survivor options
Minimum service to retire5 years5 years (some special cases at lower)

Same Formula Shape, Different Curves

Both systems use the same multiplicative formula — benefit factor × years of service × final monthly compensation — but the benefit factor curve differs. CalSTRS Classic peaks at a higher factor than most CalPERS Misc Classic formulas thanks to the career factor: a 30+ year CalSTRS Classic member can hit a 2.4% maximum benefit factor, while most CalPERS Misc Classic members top out around 2.4-2.5% at the maximum-factor age (63).

Social Security Is the Biggest Practical Difference

CalSTRS members generally do not pay into Social Security on their CalSTRS earnings. If a CalSTRS member has Social Security credits from other employment, the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) reduces the Social Security benefit, and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) reduces any spousal/survivor Social Security benefit. Most CalPERS members do pay into Social Security, so these offsets typically don't apply.

Reciprocity

California has reciprocity agreements between CalPERS, CalSTRS, and other public retirement systems. If you move between systems, your service in one can count toward the eligibility threshold in the other, and your final compensation can sometimes be coordinated. Both pensions are calculated independently — reciprocity does not combine the two formulas into one.

Open CalPERS calculator · Open CalSTRS calculator

CalPERS vs CalSTRS — Frequently Asked Questions

Is Classic or PEPRA better?▾
Classic formulas generally produce larger pensions at the same age and service because their benefit factors are higher and they use a 12-month final compensation period instead of 36 months. You don't get to choose — your hire date and prior CalPERS membership determine which set of formulas you fall under. PEPRA members hired on or after 1/1/2013 also contribute more of their own salary toward their pension.
What is service credit?▾
Service credit is the years (and partial years) you have worked under a CalPERS or CalSTRS covered position. One year of full-time employment equals one year of service credit. Part-time employees earn proportional service credit.
Is final compensation my last paycheck or an average?▾
It is an average. Classic CalPERS members use the average of their highest 12 consecutive months of compensation. PEPRA members use the average of their highest 36 consecutive months. The highest period does not have to be the final period — it is the highest qualifying span anywhere in your career.
Does CalPERS affect my Social Security benefits?▾
Some CalPERS formulas are Social Security covered, meaning you pay into both CalPERS and Social Security. Others are not covered, meaning you do not pay Social Security taxes and may be subject to the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) if you have Social Security credits from other employment.
Why is this page set up around a specific age, years, or salary?▾
Scenario pages on this site are designed to help you compare formulas at a fixed planning input — a specific retirement age, a specific number of service years, or a specific final salary band — so you can see the spread between formulas with the variable you care about held constant. The embedded calculator is pre-set to that scenario; change any input to model your own situation.
What is the minimum retirement age?▾
The minimum retirement age varies by formula. Most PEPRA formulas allow retirement at age 52, while classic formulas may allow retirement as early as age 50. Your benefit factor at the minimum age is typically much lower than at the reference age.

Related Guides

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All 32 CalPERS Benefit Factor Charts

Interactive viewer for every CalPERS benefit factor table

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2% at 62 — Deep Explainer

The most common PEPRA formula explained

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2% at 55 — Deep Explainer

The most common Classic formula explained

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How the CalPERS Retirement Formula Works

Benefit factor × years × final compensation

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Final Compensation Explained

Highest 12 months vs highest 36 months

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CalPERS Calculator Hub

All 32 CalPERS formulas

Disclaimer: Comparison is at a high level. Specific formulas, options, and offsets have edge cases — confirm specifics with CalPERS or CalSTRS for your situation.