Have you ever wondered how your super balance compares to others in your age group? Or maybe you’re curious about how much you should have saved by now to ensure a comfortable retirement? It’s not always easy to figure out if your super is on track, but understanding how it stacks up can help you make smarter decisions now that will benefit you later.
This article looks into the average super balances for people of different ages and explores how much you may need in retirement.
Average balances of Australians
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has released data showing average super balances for different age groups. The data gives a helpful overview of where Australians are at in terms of their retirement savings. Here’s how the averages break down:
Age Averages ($)
Men Women
Under 18 7,666 5,088
18-24 8,069 7,297
25-29 25,407 23,273
30-34 53,154 44,053
35-39 90,822 71,686
40-44 131,792 102,227
45-49 180,958 136,667
50-54 237,084 176,824
55-59 301,922 228,259
60-64 380,737 300,717
65-69 428,533 379,483
70-74 474,898 422,348
75 or more 487,525 416,279
Source: ATO Statistics 2021–22: Median super balance, by age and sex, 2021–22 financial year
You might be looking at your super balance right now, feeling either satisfied or a little worried about how it measures up to these averages. Remember, averages don’t tell the whole story. Your balance can be impacted by various factors like career breaks, part-time work, salary levels, or investment decisions. If you’ve made additional contributions or opted for higher-growth investment options, your balance may be above average. If it’s not quite where you’d like it to be, don’t worry – there’s still plenty of opportunity to take steps and get back on track.
How much super do you need in retirement?
Understanding what you’ll need in retirement can help you gauge whether your super balance is on track. The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) provides clear benchmarks to define what a “comfortable” or “modest” retirement might look like.
A modest retirement covers basic living expenses, with most of the income coming from the age pension. On the other hand, a comfortable retirement allows for a higher standard of living, including private health insurance, a reliable car, household upgrades, and leisure activities like holidays.
Here’s what ASFA estimates you’ll need if you retire at 65, own your home outright, and are in good health:
Comfortable retirement Modest retirement
Singles About $595,000 in At least $100,000
super for an annual in super, combined
income of $52,085 with the Age
Pension, could
provide an income
of $33,134 for
singles or $47,731
for couples
Couples Around $690,000 in
super to generate a
combined annual
income of $73,337
Source: ASFA retirement standard budget for retirees aged 65 to 84 (June quarter 2024)
Knowing these benchmarks can help you assess your progress and plan for the future you want.
Are you on track?
Now that you know what the average super balance look like, and you have a better idea of how much you may need, it’s time to check where your super stands. If your balance is lower than the targets set by ASFA, don’t panic – it’s never too late to take action. You can still take steps to boost your super and make it work harder for your retirement.
Consider making extra contributions, whether through salary sacrificing or personal after-tax payments. Reviewing your investment strategy to ensure it aligns with your goals and risk tolerance is also important. If you’re unsure about what changes to make, it could be helpful to speak to a financial adviser who can offer tailored advice for your situation.
Super is an essential part of your retirement planning, and understanding where you stand can help you make smarter choices today. Whether you’re feeling confident about your balance or realising there’s more work to be done, it’s always worth taking the time to review and plan ahead. The sooner you act, the more time your super will have to grow – putting you in a better position to enjoy your golden years.
This information has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of this, you should, before acting on this information, consider its appropriateness, having regard to your objectives, financial situation or needs.