Who's in TRS of Georgia
Employees in a permanent position, at least half-time, with local boards of education, charter schools, universities and colleges, technical colleges, the Board of Regents, county and regional libraries, RESAs and certain state agencies must join TRS of Georgia as a condition of employment. Temporary, less than half-time, private school employees and substitute teachers are not eligible. Member's Guide p. 4, Members
Certain eligible employees who are at least 60 when hired into a covered position may decline membership in writing within 90 days. Member's Guide p. 4, Members
The two dates that matter
| If your current membership date is | What changes |
|---|---|
| On or after July 1, 1984 | Big raises near the end of your career may not all count in your average salary. The raise limit |
| On or after July 1, 1996 | IRS limits cap the pay that counts and your yearly benefit. Only very high earners are affected. |
What you pay in
Members contribute 6.00% of earnable compensation by payroll deduction, pre-tax. Member's Guide p. 4, Contributions Your employer pays 22.32% of your pay for fiscal 2027. trsga.com news, FY2026 Salary Limits & FY2027 Contribution Rates (May 14, 2025; retrieved 2026-11-11)
Interest is credited to your account each June 30 on the previous June 30 balance, currently 4.5%. Member's Guide p. 5, Your Annual Membership Statement
With 40 years of service you may irrevocably stop contributing; the employer must stop deductions after 40 years and age 65 unless you sign a waiver. Benefits use at most 40 years. Member's Guide p. 11, 40 Years of Service
Keep your account active
Your account stays active if you contribute at least 1 year out of any 5 consecutive years (a break of up to 4 years). Out more than 4 consecutive years, the account becomes inactive: no more interest, and you can't buy service, repay withdrawn accounts, apply for disability retirement or leave a monthly death-in-service benefit. Member's Guide p. 11, Membership Status
What the guide says
- TRS of Georgia has one benefit formula for everyone. There are no tiers based on when you were hired.Member's Guide p. 6, Retirement Benefit Formula
- Your membership date matters in two places: salary increases used in your benefit are limited if your current membership date is on or after July 1, 1984, and IRS pay limits apply if it is on or after July 1, 1996.Member's Guide p. 6, Salary Increase Limitation; p. 4, Contribution Limitation
- Permanent employees working at least half-time for school districts, charter schools, colleges and universities, technical colleges, the Board of Regents, county and regional libraries, RESAs and some state agencies must join TRS of Georgia. Substitutes, temporary and less than half-time workers can't join.Member's Guide p. 4, Members
- Some Board of Regents employees may choose the Optional Retirement Plan instead of TRS of Georgia.Member's Guide p. 4, Members
- You contribute 6% of your pay, pre-tax. Your employer contributes 22.32% for fiscal year 2027 (starting July 1, 2026) and 2028.Member's Guide p. 4, Contributions; TRS of Georgia memo May 14, 2026, p. 1
Questions
Does TRS of Georgia have tiers?
No. TRS of Georgia has one benefit formula for every member. Your membership date matters only for two pay limits.
Who must join TRS of Georgia?
Permanent employees working at least half-time for Georgia school districts, charter schools, colleges and universities, technical colleges, the Board of Regents, public libraries, RESAs and some state agencies.
How much do I pay in?
6% of your pay, before tax. Your employer pays 22.32% for fiscal 2027.
Source: Teachers Retirement System of Georgia Member's Guide, 06/26, pp. 4, 5, 6, 11; Memo May 14, 2026 p. 1; trsga.com pages. Last reviewed .