25 Boeing 401(k) FAQs
The primary retirement plan at Boeing is the Boeing Company 401(k) Retirement Plan. This program is designed to help Boeing employees invest and grow their wealth for retirement. To help you optimize your retirement planning, here are the answers to all your questions about the Boeing 401(k).
1. What is the Boeing 401(k)?
The Boeing 401(k), formerly known as the Voluntary Investment Plan (VIP), is Boeing’s primary retirement savings plan. Using this plan, you can invest a portion of your salary into a retirement account. The money can then grow through strategic investments until you are ready to make withdrawals after retiring.
2. Who can invest in the Boeing 401(k)?
Most Boeing employees can begin participating in the 401(k) on their first day of employment. This includes full-time and part-time employees who meet the company's eligibility requirements. There is no waiting period, so you can start saving on day one.
3. How much can I contribute to my Boeing 401(k)?
Boeing employees can contribute up to the IRS annual limit for 401(k) plans. In 2026, the annual IRS limits are:
$24,500 for employees under 50
$32,500 for employees 50 or over through catch-up contributions
$35,750 for ages 60 through 63 through super catch-up contributions
These numbers can change every year, so be sure to stay up-to-date on the current limit for your Boeing 401(k) account.
4. Will Boeing match my 401(k) contributions?
Yes, Boeing has a generous matching policy for 401(k) contributions. The company will match every contribution dollar-for-dollar up to 10% of your eligible pay. For example, if your salary is $100,000 and you invest $10,000 in your 401(k), Boeing will contribute an additional $10,000 with no strings attached. That way, you can double your savings for free!
Note: This applies to eligible non-union employees. Union agreements can differ from the standard 10% rate.
5. Are 401(k) contributions pre-tax or after-tax?
They can be either. When investing in your Boeing 401(k), you will have the option to invest using pre-tax, after-tax, or Roth funds.
6. What types of investments are available in the Boeing 401(k)?
The Boeing 401(k) offers a variety of investment options, including:
Target date funds
Index funds
Actively managed funds
You can customize your investment strategy based on your personal goals and tolerance for risk. Better yet, consider working with a financial advisor who can help you make the most of your investments.
7. Can I invest more than the IRS 401(k) limit in my 401(k) account?
Yes. The $24,500 limit applies to pre-tax and Roth contributions, but Boeing also allows after-tax contributions up to the overall 401(k) limit. In 2026, the annual additions limit is $72,000, including standard contributions, the employer match, and any additional after-tax funds. After-tax contributions can be converted to Roth through the Boeing mega backdoor Roth.
Once you’ve maxed out your full 401(k) contributions, you may be able to save even more through the Boeing Supplemental Savings Plan (SSP).
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8. What are the tax benefits of participating in the Boeing 401(k)?
Both traditional (pre-tax) and Roth 401(k) accounts offer major tax benefits.
Pre-tax contributions can reduce your taxable income now and grow tax-deferred. When making withdrawals in retirement, you may be in a lower tax bracket, reducing your lifetime tax burden.
Roth contributions are made with after-tax money. This will not reduce your current income, but once invested, the contributions will grow tax-free, and qualified withdrawals will be tax-free later on.
9. When can I access my Boeing 401(k) funds?
In most cases, you can access your funds without penalty after reaching the age of 59½. If you leave Boeing during or after the year you turn 55, the usual early-withdrawal penalty is waived under the rule of 55. This can help make early retirement more practical.
10. How do I manage my Boeing 401(k) account?
You can manage your account online through the Boeing NetBenefits portal on the Fidelity website. (Fidelity manages the 401(k) program for Boeing.) Using that portal, you can change your contribution rate, keep track of your investments, and view your account balance.
11. What happens to my 401(k) funds if I leave Boeing?
If you leave Boeing, you have several options:
Leave the funds in the plan: If you are satisfied with your current 401(k) options, you can leave your funds in the plan to continue growing.
Roll over to an IRA or another employer's plan: You can generally roll over your funds to a traditional IRA or another employer’s 401(k) plan without incurring immediate taxes or penalties.
Withdraw the funds: Cashing out your account is also an option, but it is virtually never wise.
To learn which option is best for you, speak to a qualified financial advisor.
12. What happens to my Boeing 401(k) if I'm fired or laid off?
If you are fired or laid off from Boeing, you will have the same options as when you leave voluntarily. Namely, you can:
Leave the funds in the plan
Roll over the funds to an IRA or another employer's plan
Withdraw the funds
13. Can I contribute to both a traditional 401(k) and a Roth 401(k)?
Yes, Boeing lets employees contribute to both traditional and Roth accounts. This allows you to take advantage of both pre-tax savings and tax-free withdrawals.
14. Does the Boeing 401(k) have fees?
The fees for using the Boeing 401(k) will vary based on your investment choices. For example, index funds often have lower fees than actively managed funds.
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15. How often should I review my 401(k) investments?
We recommend reviewing your investments at least once a year. You should also review them after any major life events, such as a marriage or the birth of a child. This helps keep your investment strategy aligned with your changing financial needs and goals.
16. Can I use my 401(k) funds to invest in Boeing stock?
Yes, Boeing lets you invest your 401(k) contributions in Boeing stock. However, be careful not to focus all your investments on any one company or industry. It’s important to maintain a diversified portfolio.
17. Can I take out a loan using my Boeing 401(k) funds?
Yes, the Boeing 401(k) lets you take out loans against your 401(k) balance. The terms of the loan, including the maximum amount that can be borrowed, repayment schedule, and interest rates, are set by the plan. Loans must be repaid with interest, typically through payroll deductions.
18. How do hardship withdrawals work in the 401(k)?
Hardship withdrawals let you withdraw from your 401(k) account early when facing serious hardships or financial needs. This may include:
Paying medical costs
Buying a primary residence
Paying college tuition
Preventing eviction or foreclosure
To use this option, you must meet the plan’s hardship requirements and provide documentation to justify your claims. Your withdrawals may still be subject to taxes and penalties, so this is best thought of as an emergency option.
19. Can I contribute to my Boeing 401(k) during a furlough or temporary layoff?
During a furlough or temporary layoff, contributions to your 401(k) account will be suspended. This is because your contributions are deducted from your paycheck. Once you return to work and resume receiving pay, you can begin contributing to your 401(k) again.
20. How can I protect my 401(k) investments as I get closer to retirement?
To protect your 401(k) investments from market volatility as you approach retirement, consider doing the following:
Gradually shift your investment mix from higher-risk stocks to lower-risk bonds and other fixed-income securities. (If you opted for a target date fund, this will happen automatically as you near retirement.)
Ensure that your investments are spread across various asset classes to mitigate risk (A.K.A. diversification)
Consult with a financial advisor to tailor your investment strategy for your retirement timeline.
21. What options are available if I become permanently disabled?
If you become permanently disabled, you may be able to access your 401(k) funds without the 10% early withdrawal penalty, regardless of your age. You’ll need to provide documentation confirming your disability as defined by the IRS.
22. How does Boeing's 401(k) compare to other major corporations' 401(k) plans?
Boeing's 401(k) is competitive with other major corporations’ 401(k) plans, offering:
Generous matching contributions
100% immediate vesting
Valuable investment options
Reasonable fees
Resources for financial planning
Overall, Boeing employees have access to a great opportunity to save for retirement.
23. How are dividends handled in the Boeing 401(k)?
Dividends earned on investments within your Boeing 401(k) remain in your account unless distributed, where they can continue to compound. This reinvestment strategy helps to grow your portfolio over time without any active management required on your part.
24. How often can I change my investment choices within the Boeing 401(k)?
You can change your investment choices within the Boeing 401(k) at any time through the online portal. However, it is wise to consult with a financial advisor before making frequent changes, as this could impact your long-term savings and tax strategy.
25. Can I Get Help with My Boeing 401(k)?
Yes! Getting advice for your Boeing 401(k) is essential for making the most of your retirement plans. At TrueWealth Financial Partners, we will take time to understand your unique needs and goals. Then, we will help you craft a strategy that will maximize your savings.
Schedule a free call today, and we’ll be happy to answer all your questions. Let’s talk!
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