A traditional pension (also known as a defined-benefit plan) guarantees a specific monthly benefit at retirement that’s typically based on salary and years of service. But in today’s job market, traditional pensions are becoming increasingly rare. Instead, many employers are opting for defined-contribution plans like 401(k)s. This shift means that many jobs no longer offer the kind of retirement benefits they once did.
But despite the trend, there are still some professions that continue to provide these valuable benefits. Here are 9 jobs that still offer traditional pensions.
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1. Public School Teachers
Despite not being the highest paid, public school teachers in many states can still benefit from traditional pension plans. These are often part of a comprehensive package that also includes perks like health insurance and disability benefits. Though they typically require one to work a certain number of years to become vested, they offer a much-needed safety net by ensuring a fixed income upon retirement.
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2. Police Officers
Police officers often receive traditional pensions as part of their compensation packages. These pensions are designed to reward long-term service and provide a secure retirement. In many cases, officers can retire after 20 to 30 years of service with a significant portion of their salary as a pension. The pension plans are usually funded through contributions from both the officers and the municipalities they serve.
3. Firefighters
Like police officers, firefighters also typically receive traditional pensions. These benefits are particularly important given the physically demanding and perilous nature of their work. Firefighter pension plans may also include provisions for early retirement.
4. Federal Government Employees
Federal government jobs, particularly those within the civil service, often come with traditional pensions based on years of service and salary. In addition to their pensions, federal employees may also receive other benefits such as health insurance, student debt assistance or forgiveness, and Thrift Savings Plan contributions. These comprehensive benefits make federal employment attractive to many job seekers.
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5. State and Local Government Workers
Many state and local government employees, including administrative and clerical staff, can still enjoy traditional pension plans. These pensions are typically defined-benefit plans that offer a reliable income based on tenure and salary. However, these pension benefits are often a significant part of the compensation package, making these jobs appealing despite having potentially lower salaries.
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6. Union Workers
Some unionized jobs, including those in manufacturing and skilled trades, still offer traditional pensions. This is because unions can typically negotiate benefits as part of collective-bargaining agreements to ensure that all their workers have financial security after retirement. These pensions are often complemented by other benefits like health insurance and job protection, making these positions highly coveted.
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7. Utility Workers
Employees working for utility companies, including those in electricity, water, and gas services, typically receive traditional pensions as well. These benefits help attract and retain top talent across these critical infrastructure sectors. The pension plans for skilled workers are typically well-funded and provide a stable retirement income, reflecting the essential nature of the services provided by these workers.
8. Military Personnel
Members of the armed forces, including the Navy, Army, and Air Force, are usually eligible for traditional pensions after completing a certain number of years of service. Since military pensions are typically based on rank and years of service, they offer a substantial benefit for those who serve long-term. Military personnel can also receive healthcare benefits, financial assistance, and other perks even after they retire.
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9. Postal Workers
Employees of the United States Postal Service (USPS) still benefit from traditional pension plans. In fact, the USPS offers some of the best benefits around — typically consisting of a pension, health insurance, flexible spending accounts, and more. These benefits are part of what makes postal service jobs stable and attractive, even in an era of increasing automation and competition from private delivery services.
Related: Things You Didn’t Know About the U.S. Postal Service
