Each year, the IRS sets what’s known as the annual deferral limit, which dictates the maximum amount you can contribute across all your employer-sponsored retirement plans.
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This includes pre-tax and Roth employee contributions for 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, Starter 401(k), SARSEP plans, and SIMPLE IRA plans. However, any contributions you receive from your employer (e.g., matching or profit sharing) do not count toward this total.

The annual deferral limit across your retirement plans is $23,000 for 2024 (up from $22,500 in 2023). If you are over the age of 50, you are also eligible to contribute an additional $7,500 as catch-up contributions.
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If you have a Starter 401(k) plan, the maximum you can contribute to that account is $6,000 for the year. If you are over the age of 50, you are also eligible to contribute an additional $1,000 as catch-up contributions. However, the standard limit would apply across all your retirement accounts, if you contribute to more than one plan.
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The annual deferral limits may be adjusted annually by the IRS to account for cost-of-living increases.
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Check out this article to learn about what happens if you exceed the annual deferral limit.