What Is the Average Retirement Savings by Age? - NerdWallet (2024)

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Are you saving enough for retirement? Many financial pros recommend putting away 10% to 15% of your income for retirement, but that's not always possible and it's not always happening.

According to the Federal Reserve's 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances — the most recent data available — 54.4% of all families hold retirement accounts. That means almost half of America is not investing for retirement.

So, while we can tell you the average and median retirement savings by age, keep in mind those amounts only tell a portion of the story.

» Learn more: See additional retirement account statistics

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Average retirement savings balance by age

Based on data from the 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances, the average retirement savings for all families is $333,940. The average retirement savings by age is:

Age group

Average retirement savings balance amount

Under 35

$49,130.

35-44

$141,520.

45-54

$313,220.

55-64

$537,560.

65-74

$609,230.

75 and older

$462,4100.

Source: Federal Reserve Board

Median retirement savings balance by age

Because averages can be heavily skewed by outliers — in other words, the savings of over- and underachievers in each group — we’ve also included median balances in the breakdown below.

The median can often provide a more representative number than the average, and you’ll notice that the median numbers are quite a bit lower than the averages. (All data is from the 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances unless otherwise noted.)

Age group

Median retirement savings balance amount

Under 35

$18,880.

35-44

$45,000.

45-54

$115,000.

55-64

$185,000.

65-74

$200,000.

75 and older

$130,000.

Source: Federal Reserve Board

Retirement savings by age

Under 35

  • Average household retirement savings: $49,130.

  • Median household retirement savings: $18,880.

In the Survey of Consumer Finances, nearly 50% of families headed by someone under age 35 had retirement accounts — meant here to include IRAs, Keoghs and certain employer-sponsored accounts such as 401(k)s, 403(b)s and thrift savings accounts.

Of the families in this age group who have retirement holdings, the average value of those holdings is $49,130, and the median value is $18,880.

» Dive into this article about how much to save for retirement

Ages 35 to 44

  • Average household retirement savings: $141,520.

  • Median household retirement savings: $45,000.

According to the data, nearly 62% of households headed by someone in this age range had retirement accounts.

The average and median values of this group’s retirement holdings are significantly higher than those under age 35. An IRA can be a great way to increase retirement savings while juggling other financial priorities such as childcare, living expenses, and more.

» Learn how to open an IRA

Ages 45 to 54

  • Average household retirement savings: $313,220.

  • Median household retirement savings: $115,000.

About 62% of households headed by someone between the ages of 45 and 54 have retirement holdings, according to the survey.

Ages 55 to 64

  • Average household retirement savings: $537,560.

  • Median household retirement savings: $185,000.

This age range is close to Social Security’s definition of full retirement age, which ranges from 65 to 67, depending on your year of birth. About 57% of households headed by a baby boomer have retirement holdings.

Ages 65 to 74

  • Average household retirement savings: $609,230.

  • Median household retirement savings: $200,000.

The bulk of these households include someone who is in retirement, or is of retirement age. According to this survey, 51% of this age group have retirement accounts.

Ages 75 and older

  • Average household retirement savings: $462,410.

  • Median household retirement savings: $130,000.

After this point, average and median retirement account values begin to fall, as does the percentage of people who have retirement accounts.

» Looking to boost your savings? Those 50 or older get higher 401(k) contribution limits

What are the average and median retirement savings?

The average retirement savings for all families is $333,940, according to the 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances. The median retirement savings for all families is $87,000. Taken on their own, those numbers aren’t incredibly helpful. After all, not everyone who is the same age will retire at the same time.

Many other things play a role in retirement savings, too: income, planned retirement spending, expected retirement age, life expectancy, and even systemic inequity. If you look at the data for Black families, for example, you'll see that 34.8% have a retirement account. For Hispanic families, that number is 27.5%.

» Learn more about retirement savings and people of color

However, retirement savings balances do tend to increase with age, partly due to factors such as increased earnings over the years, compound interest, and more. If you've been struggling to fund retirement accounts, our guide on how to save money may help.

» Need more guidance? Check out our retirement planning guide

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What Is the Average Retirement Savings by Age? - NerdWallet (2)

The bottom line

Most people are entering their golden years with too little stashed away. According to an April 2024 AARP survey of adults who are saving for retirement, 31% said they aren't sure they will have enough saved and 33% said they will not have enough saved.

If you want to find out how much you personally will need to retire, a retirement calculator can help. If that calculator tells you you’re behind, an IRA can be a good place to start catching up if you can afford to start putting money away.

If you have more concerns about your retirement progress and can invest in additional help, a financial advisor or robo-advisor might be a good option.

» Find the best IRA account for you

What Is the Average Retirement Savings by Age? - NerdWallet (2024)

FAQs

What Is the Average Retirement Savings by Age? - NerdWallet? ›

In fact, statistically, around 10% of retirees have $1 million or more in savings. The majority of retirees, however, have far less saved.

How many Americans have $1,000,000 in retirement savings? ›

In fact, statistically, around 10% of retirees have $1 million or more in savings. The majority of retirees, however, have far less saved.

What is a good retirement balance by age? ›

By age 35, aim to save one to one-and-a-half times your current salary for retirement. By age 50, that goal is three-and-a-half to six times your salary. By age 60, your retirement savings goal may be six to 11-times your salary.

Can I retire at 62 with $400,000 in 401k? ›

You can retire a little early on $400,000, but it won't be easy. If you have the option of working and saving for a few more years, it will give you a significantly more comfortable retirement.

How much does the average person have in savings when they retire? ›

The Federal Reserve's most recent data reveals that the average American has $65,000 in retirement savings. By their retirement age, the average is estimated to be $255,200.

What is considered wealthy in retirement? ›

To be considered wealthy at age 65 or older, you need a household net worth of $3.2 million, according to finance expert Geoffrey Schmidt, CPA, who used data from the 2019 Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF) to determine the household net worth needed at age 65 or older to determine the various percentiles of wealth in ...

What net worth is considered rich? ›

While having a net worth of about $2.2 million is seen as the benchmark for being rich in America, it's essential to remember that wealth is a subjective concept. Healthy financial habits and personal perspectives on money are crucial in defining and achieving wealth.

What is the average Social Security check? ›

Social Security offers a monthly benefit check to many kinds of recipients. As of December 2023, the average check is $1,767.03, according to the Social Security Administration – but that amount can differ drastically depending on the type of recipient. In fact, retirees typically make more than the overall average.

Is 100k in 401k by 30 good? ›

Financial Samurai 401k Savings Guideline

From the results, the average 30 year old should have between $100,000 – $350,000 saved up in their 401k, depending on company match and investment performance. If you're looking for a realistic goal, then focus on the Middle column all down the chart.

Can I retire at 60 with 300k? ›

Yes, you can. As long as you live strictly within your means and assuming certain considerations, such as no significant unexpected costs and no outstanding debts.

Is $1500 a month enough to retire on? ›

While $1,500 might not be enough for non-housing retirement expenses for many people, it doesn't mean it's impossible to stick to this or other amounts, such as if you're already retired and don't have the ability to increase your budget.

How long will $600,000 last in retirement? ›

You expect to withdraw 4% each year, starting with a $24,000 withdrawal in Year One. Your money earns a 5% annual rate of return while inflation stays at 2.9%. Based on those numbers, $600,000 would be enough to last you 30 years in retirement.

How long will $500,000 last in retirement? ›

According to the 4% rule, if you retire with $500,000 in assets, you should be able to withdraw $20,000 per year for 30 years or more. Moreover, investing this money in an annuity could provide a guaranteed annual income of $24,688 for those retiring at 55.

How much do most Americans retire with? ›

The average retirement savings for all families is $333,940, according to the 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances.

How many retirees have no savings? ›

Do You? 20% of adults ages 50+ have no retirement savings, 61% worry they won't have enough at retirement, as per new AARP survey.

How many Americans live paycheck to paycheck? ›

How Many Americans Are Living Paycheck to Paycheck? A 2023 survey conducted by Payroll.org highlighted that 78% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck, a 6% increase from the previous year.

What percentage of Americans have a net worth of $1000000 or more? ›

Additionally, statistics show that the top 2% of the United States population has a net worth of about $2.4 million. On the other hand, the top 5% wealthiest Americans have a net worth of just over $1 million. Therefore, about 2% of the population possesses enough wealth to meet the current definition of being rich.

How long will $1 million last in retirement by state? ›

For retirees in California, the annual cost of living expenses would be $72,319.57, meaning a $1 million retirement fund would last for about 14 years. Retirement can often last 25 years or more, according to Fidelity.

How many people are millionaires at retirement? ›

The first quarter had 485,000 401(k)-created millionaires. That was a 15% increase from last quarter, when there were 422,000, and a 43% increase from a year ago's count of 340,000, Fidelity said. Of course, these millionaires didn't turn rich overnight.

What percentage of Americans have $100000 for retirement? ›

14% of Americans Have $100,000 Saved for Retirement

Most Americans are not saving enough for retirement. According to the survey, only 14% of Americans have $100,000 or more saved in their retirement accounts. In fact, about 78% of Americans have $50,000 or less saved for retirement.

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