2026
DC Survey: Plan Benchmarking

The 2026 PLANSPONSOR DC Survey: Plan Benchmarking is based on the results of the annual PLANSPONSOR Defined Contribution Survey. This was fielded using the Qualtrics survey platform from June through September 2025. In collaboration with recordkeepers of DC plans, we invited plan sponsors to provide detailed information about their plan, which we compiled into reports. All data are as of June 30, 2025.

Summary of Findings
We present the data in aggregate, broken down into five asset ranges, for 9 plan types and 51 industries. The results incorporate the responses of 4,387 plan sponsors from a wide variety of U.S. industries. Of the overall respondents, 3,447 reported asset-range data.

Findings reveal plans’ practices regarding design features such as: automatic enrollment; distribution offerings; employer contributions; and eligibility for an employer match. We note the highest and lowest performing industries as to participation rate, average account balance, average deferral rate, and immediate eligibility vs. vesting. This year’s findings, for the first time, explore plans’ engagement with financial wellness programs.

Data Quality
At PLANSPONSOR, we are careful to preserve the integrity of the data collected in our various surveys. Our analysis is based on self-reported data that is impossible to independently verify. The data we present here accurately reflects what plan sponsors have submitted to us.

Additional Information
The findings here are a few of the extensive findings published in the 2026 PLANSPONSOR Plan Benchmarking Report and 60 unique Industry Reports. If you are interested in purchasing a report or if you have questions regarding the data presented here, please contact surveys@issmediasolutions.com.

—Kimberley Gonzalez-Quiles