Figure A

Active participants in private-sector employer-based retirement plans, 1975–2021 (millions)

  Defined Benefit Defined Contribution
1975 27 11
1976 28 13
1977 28 15
1978 29 16
1979 29 17
1980 30 19
1981 30 21
1982 30 23
1983 30 28
1984 30 31
1985 29 33
1986 29 35
1987 28 35
1988 28 34
1989 27 34
1990 26 35
1991 26 36
1992 25 39
1993 25 39
1994 24 40
1995 23 42
1996 23 44
1997 23 48
1998 23 50
1999 23 50
2000 22 51
2001 22 52
2002 22 53
2003 21 52
2004 21 52
2005 20 62
2006 20 66
2007 19 67
2008 19 67
2009 18 72
2010 17 73
2011 17 74
2012 16 75
2013 15 77
2014 14 75
2015 14 78
2016 14 80
2017 13 81
2018 13 83
2019 13 86
2020 12 85
2021 12 88
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Economic Policy Institute

Note: EBSA made methodological changes to estimates of the number of active participants in defined contribution plans in 2005.

Source: Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA 2023). Private Pension Plan Bulletin Historical Tables and Graphs 1975–2021, Table E7.

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