Industry participation rates by plan type and size

Select plan type (weighted):

participant plan

Select plan size (number of participants):

all 250 500 1,000

The participant-weighted participation rate measure considers all employees in Vanguard-administered plans as if they were in a single plan. Plans with less than 1,000 participants and those with more than 1,000 participants are each included in this view. The chart shows participation rates for defined contribution plans in the industry sector, categorized by plan type and size for 2023. The x-axis shows the participation rate, and the y-axis shows the sector. Within each sector, plans of different sizes are compared with a Vanguard benchmark of 82%. Information: Plans with less than 1,000 participants had a participation rate of 88%. Plans with more than 1,000 participants had a participation rate of 94%. Both were above the Vanguard benchmark. Insurance: Plans with less than 1,000 participants had a participation rate of 93%. Plans with more than 1,000 participants had a participation rate of 94%. Both were above the Vanguard benchmark. Manufacturing: Plans with less than 1,000 participants had a participation rate of 82%, matching the Vanguard benchmark. Plans with more than 1,000 participants had a participation rate of 91%, above the Vanguard benchmark. Mining, quarrying, oil & gas: Plans with less than 1,000 participants had a participation rate of 84%. Plans with more than 1,000 participants had a participation rate of 96%. Both were above the Vanguard benchmark. Retail trade: Plans with less than 1,000 participants had a participation rate of 82%, matching the Vanguard benchmark. Plans with more than 1,000 participants had a participation rate of 49%, falling below the Vanguard benchmark. Technology: Plans with less than 1,000 participants had a participation rate of 88%. Plans with more than 1,000 participants had a participation rate of 92%. Both were above the Vanguard benchmark. Transportation & warehousing: Plans with more than 1,000 participants had a participation rate of 64%, falling below the Vanguard benchmark. Plans with less than 1,000 participants had a participation rate of 84%, above the Vanguard benchmark. Utilities: Plans with less than 1,000 participants had a participation rate of 94%. Plans with more than 1,000 participants also had a participation rate of 94%. Both were above the Vanguard benchmark.