Average Retirement Savings by Age: Are You on Track for Retirement?
Confluent Asset Management
Retirement Management Team
If your social media feed has been filled with retirement calculators, “Coast FI” videos, million-dollar retirement goals, and debates about whether Americans are saving enough, you are not alone. Retirement planning has become a major topic across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and financial media in 2026, as Americans face higher living costs, changing expectations around Social Security, and continued uncertainty about how much they will actually need to retire comfortably. Recent surveys also show that retirement anxiety remains widespread, making it more important to understand where your savings stand rather than simply comparing yourself with someone else online.
Average Retirement Savings by Age
One of the most common questions people ask is, “How much should I have saved by my age?” Looking at the average retirement savings by age can provide a useful benchmark, but averages should not be treated as a personal retirement target. Fidelity’s 2026 data shows average 401(k) balances ranging from approximately $7,700 for people ages 20–24 to $264,500 for those age 70 and older, based on 25.6 million participants as of March 31, 2026.
| Age | Average 401(k) Balance |
|---|---|
| 20–24 | $7,700 |
| 25–29 | $26,600 |
| 30–34 | $51,700 |
| 35–39 | $81,600 |
| 40–44 | $120,100 |
| 45–49 | $163,200 |
| 50–54 | $215,700 |
| 55–59 | $260,800 |
| 60–64 | $257,400 |
| 65–69 | $258,800 |
| 70+ | $264,500 |
These figures provide context, but there is an important limitation: your retirement assets may be spread across a 401(k), IRA, Roth IRA, brokerage account, cash, real estate, or other investments. Vanguard’s retirement data illustrates the same point, with average defined-contribution balances of $91,281 for ages 35–44, $168,646 for ages 45–54, and $244,750 for ages 55–64. Vanguard also reports median balances that are substantially lower than the averages, demonstrating how a relatively small number of large accounts can pull an average upward.
Why Your Age Is Only One Piece of the Puzzle
Being above or below the average retirement savings by age does not automatically mean you are ahead or behind. Your target retirement age, annual spending, expected Social Security benefits, investment strategy, taxes, healthcare costs, and desired lifestyle can dramatically change how much you need.
This becomes particularly important if your goal is to retire earlier than traditional retirement age. Someone planning to retire at 55 may need a substantially different strategy than someone planning to work until 67, even if both people have exactly the same amount saved. Confluent Asset Management’s retirement planning resources can help you look beyond a simple account balance and focus on whether your assets are positioned around your specific retirement goals.
Find Out What Your Retirement Savings Need to Accomplish
If you are approaching retirement and wondering whether your current portfolio is enough, a personalized review can provide considerably more insight than an age-based benchmark. At Confluent Asset Management, we look at your individual goals, timeline, portfolio, income needs, and potential risks to help you understand what your retirement strategy may need to accomplish.
What Does Your Retirement Number Look Like?
Book a Retirement Consultation with Confluent Asset Management to discuss where you are today and what adjustments may help move you toward the retirement you want.
Your retirement number should be based on your life, not someone else’s average. If you want to retire comfortably, especially if early retirement is part of your plan, the sooner you identify potential gaps, the more opportunities you may have to address them.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule a retirement consultation with Confluent Asset Management and get a personalized perspective on your retirement savings, investment strategy, and path forward.
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