401(k) Vesting Comparison Tool
See how much employer 401(k) match you're leaving behind when switching agencies. The vesting trap costs travel nurses thousands each year.
The hidden cost: Most agencies use 2-3 year cliff vesting. If you switch before vesting, you forfeit 100% of their match contributions—even though they appeared on your statement.
401(k) Vesting Comparison Tool
See how much 401(k) employer match you're leaving on the table by switching agencies before vesting.
Enter Your Agencies (Up to 4)
Vesting Analysis
Money Left on the Table
$2,880
Forfeited employer match due to incomplete vesting
Your Contributions
$4,800
100% yours
Employer Match
$2,880
Actually Vested
$0
Forfeited
$2,880
Breakdown by Agency
| Agency | Months | Match % | Vested % | Employer $ | Vested | Lost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aya | 6 | 4% | 0% | $1,920 | $0 | $1,920 |
| Medical Solutions | 4 | 3% | 0% | $960 | $0 | $960 |
* Vesting schedules vary by agency and plan. This calculator uses common travel nursing 401(k) vesting patterns. Check your specific plan documents for exact schedules. Your own contributions are always 100% vested.
401(k) Vesting Tips for Travel Nurses
Check vesting before switching: If you're 6 months from full vesting, that might be worth more than a slightly higher rate elsewhere.
Maximize the match: Contribute at least up to your agency's match percentage. It's free money (once vested).
Consider rolling over: When you leave an agency, roll your 401(k) into an IRA to avoid losing track of multiple small accounts.
Look for immediate vesting: Some agencies offer 100% immediate vesting. Factor this into your agency comparison.
Understanding Vesting Schedules
Immediate Vesting (Best for Travel Nurses)
100% of employer contributions are yours from day one. Ideal for travelers who switch agencies frequently. Ask agencies about this when negotiating.
Cliff Vesting (Most Common)
You own 0% until the cliff date (typically 2-3 years), then own 100%. This is the vesting trap. Leave at 23 months? You get nothing. Stay 25 months? You get everything.
Graded Vesting
Gradual vesting over time (e.g., 20% per year for 5 years). Better than cliff vesting, but you still forfeit a portion if you leave early.
Real-World Impact
| Scenario | Months | Your Contrib | Employer Match | Vested | Lost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 months at Agency A (3-yr cliff) | 6 | $2,400 | $1,200 | $0 | $1,200 |
| 1 year at Agency B (2-yr cliff) | 12 | $4,800 | $2,400 | $0 | $2,400 |
| Total Lost to Vesting | 18 | $7,200 | $3,600 | $0 | $3,600 |
| If stayed at one agency (2-yr cliff) | 24 | $9,600 | $4,800 | $4,800 | $0 |
* Based on $100K annual salary, 6% employee contribution, 3% employer match.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 401(k) vesting?
Vesting is the process by which you earn ownership of employer 401(k) match contributions. Your own contributions are always 100% vested, but employer match often requires you to stay a certain time before you "own" it.
Should I stay longer to vest my 401(k)?
Do the math. If you have $3,000 in unvested match and you're 6 months from full vesting, staying might be worth it. But if you'd earn $5,000 more at another agency in that time, switching might make sense.
What happens to unvested money when I leave?
Unvested employer contributions are forfeited and returned to the agency's 401(k) plan. Your own contributions (and any vested employer match) are always yours.
How do I find an agency with immediate vesting?
Ask recruiters directly about their 401(k) vesting schedule. Some agencies advertise immediate vesting as a benefit. Use our agency comparison tool to research benefits before signing.
Compare Agency Benefits
401(k) vesting is just one factor. Compare pay rates, health insurance, referral bonuses, and more with our agency comparison tool.
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