As a CalPERS retiree, you’re part of a community that’s nearly three quarters of a million members strong—714,696 retired members, to be exact. Every year, we release new data to help you understand the health and trends of the retirement system.
Here are the latest numbers on Retirement Plan Members (PDF) for the 2024-25 fiscal year.
What are the latest figures?
- We paid $34.6 billion this year in pension benefit payments to retirees, beneficiaries, and survivors—supported by a fund valued at $563 billion as of June 30, 2025.
- Of that $34.6 billion, $31.5 billion went toward retiree pension payments.
- The average annual retirement payment for CalPERS retirees is now $45,264, though individual amounts vary based on years of service, employer, and retirement type.
How much are retirees receiving?
Most CalPERS retirees receive modest monthly payments:
- 59% receive $3,500 or less per month.
- 20.6% receive between $3,501 and $6,000.
- 12.6% receive $6,001 to $9,000.
- Only 7.7% receive more than $9,000 each month.
Here is the breakdown for different retirees:
- If you retired from a public agency, your average monthly payment is about $4,791.
- State retirees average $4,274, while school retirees receive $2,155.
- Safety retirees (such as police and firefighters) receive higher benefits, averaging $6,693 per month.
Who are CalPERS retirees?
- The typical CalPERS service retiree spent more than 20.8 years in public service and retired at an average age of 60.1.
- Nearly half (48.9%) retired between ages 60 and 69, while 47% retired between ages 50 and 59.
- Only a small share, about 4%, retired at age 70 or older.
Where do retirees live?
Most retirees stay in California (81%), so most pension dollars remain contributing to the golden state’s economy. The remaining moved to other states, or other countries. Of the states, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, and Washington are the most popular destinations. A small group—about 0.2%—live internationally.
What about new retirees?
Each year, tens of thousands of members become retirees. In the last fiscal year, more than 31,000 active members became retirees. Most new retirees are classic members, while 2.2% are Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) members—those who joined after pension reforms in 2013.
Where can I learn more?
Learn more about CalPERS pensions by reading Facts at a Glance Retirement Plan Members (PDF). You can also read our other Facts at a Glance for more information.