FERS Retirement Tools

High-3 Average Salary Calculator

Calculate the average of your highest 36 consecutive months of basic pay before retirement.

Calculate Your High-3

Enter your retirement date and salary periods to calculate your weighted average.

The calculator will use the 36 months before this date.
When you began your covered special provision service.
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If you only enter your current income, the High-3 is estimated at 97% of this amount. Add salary periods below for a more precise calculation.
For a precise calculation, enter your salary history. Only periods within the 36-month window will be used.
Period 1
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High-3 Average Salary --
36-Month Window --
Periods Analyzed --
View Calculation Details

Weighted average based on months in 36-month window:

Understanding High-3 Salary

Your High-3 average salary is the average of your highest 36 consecutive months of basic pay (including locality pay) before retirement. This is the foundation of your FERS pension calculation.

How the calculation works:

  • The calculator looks at the 36 months (3 years) before your retirement date
  • For each salary period, it calculates how many months fall within that window
  • It then calculates a weighted average: Sum(Salary × Months in Window) ÷ 36 months
  • Only periods overlapping the window contribute to the average

Example: If you earned $90k for 12 months, $95k for 12 months, and $100k for 12 months (all within the 36-month window), your High-3 would be the average: $95,000.

Tip: Once you calculate your High-3, use it in the FERS Pension Calculator to see your estimated pension.

Ready to Calculate Your Pension?

Now that you know your High-3 salary, calculate your full FERS pension estimate.

Calculate My Pension View All Calculators

Disclosures: This calculator is for educational use only and is provided for informational purposes and should not be considered financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on stated assumptions and historical TSP data. Historical TSP fund returns are not indicative of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from projections. Projections are based on long-term historical averages of TSP funds since inception, reflecting published returns that account for fund expenses and operating costs. Catch-up contribution limits for ages 60-63 reflect current SECURE Act 2.0 provisions and are subject to legislative change. Consult a qualified tax professional regarding your specific situation. Commentary regarding diversification and concentration risk is general in nature. Investment allocation decisions should align with your personal goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. For personalized retirement guidance, seek advice from a qualified financial professional familiar with federal benefits and current retirement legislation.