The average TSP for FERS account holders is around $48,400
while for CSRS participants the average is around $39,300,
according to TSP data, even though demographically CSRS
employees are more likely to be more senior and better-paid
than FERS employees. The difference in account sizes
likely is due primarily to the fact that FERS investors
get government contributions of up to 5 percent of salary,
while CSRS investors get no employer contributions. Also,
FERS employees are more likely to have had prior employment
with outside employers with 401(k) or similar plans whose
balances can be transferred into the TSP upon joining the
government.
