This is the typical balance Americans hold in retirement accounts (401(k), IRA and similar) by age, based on Federal Reserve data. It's one of the most-searched 'am I behind?' money questions.
Retirement Savings by age in the U.S.
| Age | Median | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Under 35 | $18,880 | $49,130 |
| 35–44 | $45,000 | $141,520 |
| 45–54 | $115,000 | $313,220 |
| 55–64 | $185,000 | $537,560 |
| 65–74 | $200,000 | $609,230 |
| 75+ | $130,000 | $462,410 |
About these numbers
Most people have far less saved than the headlines suggest — the average is inflated by a small group of big savers. The median shows what's typical. If you're behind, the good news is that consistent contributions plus compound growth can close the gap surprisingly fast.
How to improve your number
- Always capture your full employer 401(k) match — it's free money.
- Increase your contribution by 1% every year; you'll barely feel it.
- Start now — a decade of compounding beats a bigger balance started late.
- Use tax-advantaged accounts (401k, IRA) before a regular brokerage.
Project your retirement savings
Use our free calculator to plan your next move.
Open the calculator →Frequently asked questions
How much should I have saved by my age?
A common rule of thumb: 1× your salary by 30, 3× by 40, 6× by 50, 8× by 60. But your ideal number depends on your lifestyle and retirement age.
Does this include my pension or Social Security?
No — these figures are personal retirement-account balances only. Pensions and Social Security are on top of this.
I'm way behind — is it too late?
No. Increasing contributions and letting compound growth work can make a large difference, especially with 10+ years to go.
Figures use U.S. comparison data based on Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances and Bureau of Labor Statistics datasets.