Average Retirement Savings by Age in 2025: How You Compare and What to Do Next

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Wondering how your savings compare? Understanding the average retirement savings by age gives you a useful snapshot of where you stand — and what you might need to do next.

In 2025, new data from sources like Fidelity Investments and the Federal Reserve show that while averages tend to rise with age, medians remain much lower, reflecting what most households actually have.

Quick Facts: Where Americans Stand in 2025

Source: Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances & Vanguard data.

What’s Going On with Retirement Savings?

The average retirement savings by age reveals a clear trend — the older you get, the more your nest egg tends to grow, but not everyone moves at the same pace.

Early savers benefit most from compounding, while mid-career earners have the biggest opportunity to boost their balances. As you move closer to retirement, the focus shifts from building wealth to protecting it.

Here’s how savings typically stack up by decade — and what you can do at each stage to stay on track:

Under 35: Getting Started

If you’re younger than 35, you’ve got time on your side — which matters a lot. The average retirement nest-egg in this group sits around $49,000, but the median is closer to $18,900, showing many are still getting traction.

Start now by setting up automatic savings, capturing any employer match and building a habit of saving — even small amounts add up over time.

Age 35 to 44: Building Momentum

By your 30s, you likely have more income and the chance to make meaningful progress. The average savings in this age bracket hit about $142,000, while the median remains near $45,000. That gap speaks to varying rates of progress.

Automate increasing your savings rate, diversify your investments and keep growth in the mix — you’re in the phase where your savings should really take off.

Age 45 to 54: Peak Saving Years

In your 40s and early 50s, many are at peak earnings and can accelerate savings. Averages for this age range rise to about $313,000, with medians around $115,000.

Make sure you’re maxing out contributions, rethinking your asset mix for both growth and protection and making sure your savings strategy aligns with retirement timing.

Age 55 to 64: Catch-Up Time

As retirement approaches, it’s catch-up time. Data shows average savings of around $538,000, with median savings of around $185,000.

If you’re 50 or older, take advantage of catch-up contribution rules. Also, revisit your debt, your portfolio risk and your upcoming income sources.

Age 65 to 74: Transition to Retirement

When you hit your 60s and early 70s, savings are no longer just about accumulation — they’re about transition. The average for this group is roughly $609,000, while the median sits near $200,000.

Now you’re thinking about withdrawals, Social Security timing, healthcare costs and maintaining your lifestyle. Plan ahead to protect what you’ve built.

Why Averages vs. Medians Matter

• Averages are skewed by high-savers: A few very large accounts can push the average up, making it appear like most people are doing better than they really are.
• Medians tell a more typical story: For example, a median of around $18,900 (under 35) shows what more than half of households have.
• Use these figures as benchmarks, not absolutes: Focus on your individual goals and progress rather than trying to match someone else.

How Much Should You Have Saved by Age?

Here’s a simplified benchmark many financial experts use:

• By age 30: about 1x your annual income
• By age 40: about 3x your income
• By age 50: about 6x your income
• By age 60: about 8x your income
• By retirement: about 10x or more of your income

Your personal target will vary depending on your lifestyle, retirement age, other income sources and geographic cost of living — but this gives you a useful rule of thumb.

Smart Strategies to Improve Your Savings

• Start early and stay consistent: The sooner you begin and maintain savings, the more time you give your money to grow.
• Capitalize on employer matches and contribution opportunities: Leaving a match on the table is essentially leaving “free money” behind.
• Reassess your portfolio and risk: Younger savers often skew growth-heavy; as you get older, shifting toward stability matters.
• Consider other savings vehicles: IRAs, taxable accounts and investments outside of employer plans add flexibility and help diversify risk.
• Avoid big mistakes: Withdrawing early, not contributing enough, ignoring asset-allocation updates and neglecting healthcare/long-term care planning are common pitfalls.

Final Take to GO: Use the Data as a Guide, Not a Limit

The average retirement savings by age data shows where many savers stand — but it’s not your ceiling or your guarantee. What matters most is the steady habits you build, the rate you save and the intentional decisions you make over time.

Check where you are, set realistic goals and use that as your launchpad toward meaningful progress.

Information is accurate as of Oct. 23, 2025.

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