Publix 401(k) Plan

Lakeland, Florida

Publix 401K plan details: employer match info, participant login access, withdrawal options, and full plan review. 2026 data with contacts, details.

401(k) QualifiedFortune 500FLFood & Beverage Stores
Overall Rating
3.8/5
Editorial Score
Active Participants
521,808
Total Plan Assets
$36.6B
▲ 21.4% YoY
Avg. Balance per Participant
$70K
Number of Plans
3

Plan Analysis

Publix, in the Food & Beverage Stores sector and headquartered in Florida, manages a 401(k) program with $36.6B in total plan assets across 521,808 active participants, established 50 years ago. The plan saw strong asset growth of 21.4% year-over-year, significantly outpacing the typical 401(k) plan. The average participant balance of $70K is near the national median, typical for a large-employer plan. The employer contributed an average of $96 per active participant. Participants contributed an average of $667 each through employee deferrals. Distributions totaled $3.1B (8% of assets), reflecting normal retirement and separation activity. In addition to the primary 401(k), Publix operates an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), offering employees multiple retirement savings vehicles.

Use our 401(k) calculator to see how your contributions could grow, or review the 2026 IRS limits.

Publix 401(k) Data Insights

Key observations from the most recent Form 5500 filing

  • Legacy plan: Established 50 years ago (1974), making it one of the longest-running 401(k) plans in its sector. Long-established plans often have more favorable terms and lower administrative costs.
  • Higher expenses: Plan expenses of $3.1B represent 8.4% of assets, above the industry average. Participants should review fund expense ratios within their accounts.
  • Strong returns: The plan generated $9.5B in investment income (26.0% of assets), reflecting favorable market conditions and investment selection during the filing year.
  • Growth opportunity: Average contributions of $667 per year (3% of the $24,500 limit) suggest room to increase savings. Auto-escalation features can help participants gradually reach higher contribution rates.
  • Low loan usage: Participant loans of $159.6M represent just 0.4% of plan assets - well below the industry average, suggesting strong employee financial wellness.

How Publix Compares

Comparison against 284 employer 401(k) plans in our database

Metric Publix Database Median Comparison
Avg. Balance per Participant $70K $140K ▼ 50% below median
Employer Contribution per Participant $96 $3K ▼ 97% below median
YoY Asset Growth 21.4% 12.9% ▲ Above median
Total Assets vs. Food & Beverage Stores Sector $36.6B $3.3B ▲ 1010% above sector median

Publix 401(k) Plan Features

Plan features derived from DOL Form 5500 filing data

FeatureDetails
401(k) Loans Available - up to 5 years
457 Plan Also offers a 457 plan - eligible employees can contribute to both for double tax-advantaged savings
Plan History Established 1974 - 50 years of retirement benefits

How to Maximize Your Publix 401(k)

1

Consider increasing your contribution rate annually - even 1% more per year adds up significantly over time

2

Use 401(k) loans only as a last resort - they reduce your retirement savings growth

3

Use our 401(k) calculator to project your retirement savings and find the right contribution rate

Use our 401(k) calculator to project your savings growth, or check how much free match money you could earn.

Contact Information

Plan Sponsor

PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS, INC.

(863) 688-1188

3300 PUBLIX CORPORATE PARKWAY, LAKELAND, FL 33811

Filing Information

EIN: 59-0324412

Plan Effective Date: 1974-10-01

Source: DOL Form 5500 (Latest Filings)

Publix 401(k) Withdrawals

OptionDetails
Age 59½+ WithdrawalsPenalty-free withdrawals available after age 59½
Rule of 55Penalty-free if you leave Publix at age 55+
Hardship WithdrawalsCheck with plan administrator
401(k) LoansAvailable - up to lesser of $50,000 or 50% of vested balance (5-year term)
RolloverRoll over to new employer plan or IRA when leaving Publix
Total Distributions (Latest Filing)$3.1B paid to departing/retired participants
Outstanding Loans$159.6M in active participant loans

2026 Contribution Limits for Publix 401(k)

See the full breakdown in our 2026 contribution limits guide, including rules for catch-up contributions (50+) and super catch-up (60-63).

Category Limit Details
Employee Deferral $24,500 Standard elective deferral limit for all participants
Catch-Up (Age 50+) +$8,000 Additional contributions for participants age 50 and over (total: $32,500)
Super Catch-Up (Age 60-63) +$11,250 SECURE 2.0 enhanced catch-up for ages 60-63 (total: $35,750)
Total Annual Additions (415 Limit) $72,000 Maximum combined employee + employer contributions
Compensation Cap $350,000 Maximum compensation considered for contributions
Publix Avg. Employee Deferral $667 3% of the $24,500 limit (based on latest Form 5500 filing)
Publix Avg. Employer Contribution $96 Employer contributes $49.9M total across 521,808 participants

Publix 401(k) Plan Details

Data from DOL Form 5500 (Latest Filings)

Plan Name Active Participants Total Assets Employer Contributions Participant Contributions 401(k)
PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS, INC. EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN & TRUST 156,344 $14.3B N/A N/A Yes
PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS, INC. EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN & TRUST 156,344 $14.3B N/A N/A Yes
PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS, INC. 401(K) SMART PLAN 209,120 $8.1B $49.9M $347.9M Yes

Plan Type Details

Primary Plan: PUBLIX SUPER MARKETS, INC. EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN & TRUST

Plan Types: 2O; DC (401(k)); IRA (SIMPLE); 457 Plan; 3I

Funded By: Trust

Financial Summary

MetricAmount
Total Assets (Beginning of Year)$30,193,451,942
Total Assets (End of Year)$36,641,706,609
Employer Contributions$49,898,186
Participant Contributions$347,882,373
Total Distributions$3,057,395,931
Total Income (Gains/Losses)$9,510,313,842
Total Expenses$3,063,604,653
Outstanding Participant Loans$159,639,599

Participant Breakdown

Active Participants
521,808
Total All Participants
667,990
Retired/Separated Receiving
0

Plan Review & Rating

Editorial rating based on DOL Form 5500 data

3.8
Match Generosity
3.9
Fund Options
3.6
Fees & Costs
3.5
Customer Service
3.6

Ratings are based on publicly available plan data, participant feedback, and industry benchmarks. Individual experience may vary. This is not financial advice. Data sourced from DOL Form 5500 filings.

People Also Ask About Publix 401(k)

The Publix 401(k) match competitiveness depends on the formula and vesting schedule. The plan shows $49.9M in total employer contributions across 521,808 participants ($96 per person). Compare it with industry averages where the typical employer match is between 3-6% of salary. Review the specific match percentage and vesting timeline with your HR department.

Vesting schedules determine when employer match contributions fully belong to you. Common schedules include immediate vesting, 3-year cliff vesting, or 6-year graded vesting. At Publix, with $49.9M in annual employer contributions across the plan, understanding your vesting timeline matters before considering a job change. Contact Publix HR for the exact vesting schedule.

Withdrawals from your Publix 401(k) are generally available after age 59½, upon separation from service, disability, or financial hardship. The plan processed $3.1B in distributions during the last filing year. Early withdrawals before age 59½ may be subject to a 10% penalty plus income taxes. The Rule of 55 allows penalty-free withdrawals if you leave Publix at age 55 or older.

Yes, you can roll over your Publix 401(k) to a Traditional IRA (for pre-tax funds) or Roth IRA (for Roth 401(k) funds). With an average balance of $70K per participant, a direct rollover avoids the mandatory 20% withholding that applies to indirect rollovers. Contact your plan administrator or the receiving IRA custodian to initiate the transfer.

Many Fortune 500 companies, including Publix, have auto-enrollment features. With 521,808 active participants and $347.9M in annual employee deferrals, the plan demonstrates strong participation. Auto-enrollment typically starts at 3-6% of salary with annual escalation. You can opt out or change your contribution rate at any time through the plan provider portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Publix offers an employer match through their 401(k) plan. The filing shows $49.9M in employer contributions, a 14% ratio to the $347.9M in employee deferrals. This lower ratio may indicate profit-sharing contributions that vary year to year. The exact match formula may vary by plan and employment status. Contact Publix HR or your plan administrator for the specific match formula applicable to your situation.

You can access your Publix 401(k) account through the plan provider's participant portal. The plan serves 521,808 active participants. If you're a current or former employee, use the login link above or contact the plan administrator at the phone number listed on this page. First-time users will need to register using their Social Security number and date of birth.

For 2026, Publix 401(k) participants can contribute up to $24,500 in employee deferrals. Participants aged 50+ can contribute an additional $8,000 in catch-up contributions (total $32,500). Those aged 60-63 can make super catch-up contributions of $11,250 (total $35,750). Currently, Publix participants contribute an average of $667 per year in employee deferrals. Employer contributions are separate from these limits.

Many Publix 401(k) plans offer loan provisions. As of the latest filing, Publix participants had $159.6M in outstanding loans (averaging $306 across participants with active loans). The IRS limits 401(k) loans to the lesser of $50,000 or 50% of your vested balance. With an average account balance of $70K in the Publix plan, the maximum potential loan amount for a fully vested participant would vary accordingly. Check with your plan administrator for specific loan terms, or see our withdrawal rules guide.

When you leave Publix, you have several options for your 401(k): keep it in the plan (if the balance is over $7,000), roll it over to a new employer's plan, roll it to an IRA, or take a cash distribution (subject to taxes and potential penalties). In the most recent filing year, the plan processed $3.1B in distributions to departing or retired participants. Employer match contributions may be subject to a vesting schedule.

According to the most recent Form 5500 filing, the Publix 401(k) plan has 521,808 active participants managing $36.6B in plan assets. The average account balance is $70K per participant.

Many major employers, including Publix, offer both traditional pre-tax and Roth after-tax 401(k) contribution options. Given that Publix participants average $667 in annual deferrals, choosing between Roth and traditional depends on whether you expect your tax bracket to be higher or lower in retirement. Contact the Publix plan administrator for availability.

The Publix 401(k) plan typically offers a range of investment options including target-date funds, index funds, actively managed funds, and potentially company stock. The plan generated $9.5B in total investment income during the last filing year. Use our 401(k) calculator to project growth, or log into your account to see current options.

Publix (PUSH) may offer company stock as an investment option within the 401(k) plan. Based on the plan filing, Publix does include a stock ownership component. Be mindful of concentration risk - financial advisors typically recommend limiting company stock to no more than 10-15% of your portfolio, especially given that your employment income already depends on Publix's performance.

401(k) Guides & Tools

Learn more about managing your Publix 401(k)

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Disclaimer: Information on this page is sourced from public DOL Form 5500 filings and is provided for educational purposes only. This is not financial, tax, or investment advice. Plan details may have changed since the last filing. Always consult your plan administrator, HR department, or a qualified financial advisor for the most current information about your 401(k) plan. 401K.is is not affiliated with Publix or their plan providers. Stock data for PUSH is provided by Polygon.io and may be delayed.

Last updated: March 2026 | Data source: DOL Form 5500 (Latest Filings) | Filed: 2025-10-03