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 |
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.