How Much Super Should I Have at My Age? — Australia 2026
This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial advice. For advice tailored to your situation, consult a licensed financial adviser. Learn more.
Contents
Not sure if your super is on track? This page provides Australian super benchmarks by age, sourced from APRA and ASFA data, alongside a calculator to compare your balance against the targets for your age.
Super by Age Checker
Super Balance Benchmarks by Age — Reference Table
The table below shows approximate benchmark super balances by age group, based on APRA data (average balances) and ASFA modelling (targets for a comfortable retirement at 67, single person).
| Age Group | APRA Average Balance | On-Track Target (Comfortable Retirement) |
|---|---|---|
| 20–24 | ~$9,000 | ~$15,000 |
| 25–29 | ~$32,000 | ~$50,000 |
| 30–34 | ~$68,000 | ~$95,000 |
| 35–39 | ~$110,000 | ~$145,000 |
| 40–44 | ~$152,000 | ~$200,000 |
| 45–49 | ~$198,000 | ~$270,000 |
| 50–54 | ~$248,000 | ~$350,000 |
| 55–59 | ~$296,000 | ~$450,000 |
| 60–64 | ~$357,000 | ~$540,000 |
| 65–69 | ~$385,000 | ~$595,000 |
APRA averages are rounded approximations from APRA Annual Fund-level Superannuation Statistics. On-track targets are illustrative for a single person targeting a comfortable retirement at 67 with partial Age Pension support. Couple targets are higher — see How Much Super to Retire.
Why Average Balances Are Lower Than Targets
You’ll notice that APRA average balances are consistently below the “on-track” targets for a comfortable retirement. This reflects several realities:
- Many Australians did not have super for their entire working life (the SG was introduced in 1992, starting at 3%)
- Career breaks, low-income periods, and under-contribution are common
- The SG rate was below 10% until FY2021–22 and only reached 12% from July 2025
- Many retirees today rely substantially on the Age Pension — and a significant proportion of the population retires with modest super balances
If your balance is near or above the APRA average but below the “on-track” target, you are not unusual — but it does suggest considering strategies to boost your super in the years remaining before retirement.
I’m Behind — What Can I Do?
If your balance is below the on-track target for your age, the most effective levers are:
1. Increase contributions now
- Salary sacrifice into super (reduces taxable income and boosts super simultaneously)
- Use carry-forward concessional cap space if your TSB is under $500,000 (you can contribute unused cap amounts from the past 5 years)
- See Boosting Your Super Before Retirement
2. Reduce fees
- Moving to a low-fee fund can add significantly to your balance over time
- See Cheapest Super Funds Australia
3. Check your investment option
- If you are in a conservative option and still have 10–20 years to retirement, a growth or balanced option may generate higher long-term returns
- See Super Fund Investment Options Explained
4. Don’t panic
- The Age Pension supplements super for most Australians — you don’t need the full target to retire
- The full Age Pension for a single person (~$29,000/year) is a meaningful income floor
- See How Much Super Do You Need to Retire?
Gender Differences in Super Balances
The benchmarks above are averages across all Australians. In practice, there is a significant gender gap:
| Age group | Men’s average balance | Women’s average balance |
|---|---|---|
| 30–34 | ~$80,000 | ~$56,000 |
| 40–44 | ~$175,000 | ~$126,000 |
| 50–54 | ~$290,000 | ~$206,000 |
| 60–64 | ~$430,000 | ~$285,000 |
Approximate figures based on APRA data. The gap reflects career breaks for caring responsibilities, lower lifetime wages, and historically higher part-time employment rates among women.
If your balance is below the all-person average and you are a woman, this does not necessarily mean you are behind — the average itself reflects the gender gap. Comparing to women’s averages gives a more meaningful benchmark.
Strategies to address the gender super gap include spouse contributions, the government co-contribution, and carry-forward concessional contributions after returning to full-time work. See Gender Super Gap and Boost Super for Women.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are the APRA average balances calculated? APRA publishes Annual Fund-level Superannuation Statistics that aggregate total assets and member counts by age bracket across all APRA-regulated funds. Dividing total assets by member count gives the average. The median is lower — dragged up by high-balance members. The figures shown are approximations and are updated annually.
I’m well above the target — do I still need to contribute? Being above the “on-track target” doesn’t mean your super is automatically sufficient. The target is calibrated for the ASFA Comfortable Standard ($52,000/year single). If your retirement lifestyle costs more — or if you plan to retire before 67 — you may need a larger balance. Use the Retirement Income Calculator with your personal numbers.
The target for my age seems impossible to reach. What should I do? The targets assume consistent full-time work since the start of the SG regime. Very few Australians have this — most have had career gaps, periods of low income, or time overseas. The on-track target is a guide, not a pass/fail standard. If you’re below it, the most productive action is to project forward using the Super Calculator and consider whether contributions changes or a different investment option could close the gap.
Why does the APRA average rise so slowly from 55–59 to 60–64? People retire across this age range, drawing balances down or moving to pension phase. Additionally, some high-balance members crystallise their balances in pension accounts, which may not all be captured in accumulation-phase statistics. Average balance growth slows as inflows (contributions) are offset by outflows (drawdowns and retirements).
What is the difference between “average” and “median” super balances? The average (mean) is skewed upward by high-balance members — a small number of very wealthy super accounts raise the average above what a typical person has. The median (the middle value) is lower and more representative of what most Australians hold. APRA publishes averages; the median is estimated to be roughly 60–70% of the average for most age groups.
Should I consolidate before checking my balance? Yes — combining all accounts before entering a balance gives the most accurate reading. Multiple small accounts scattered across old employers can hide your true total and cause you to underestimate where you stand. Check myGov → ATO → Super for all accounts linked to your TFN. See How to Consolidate Your Super.
Source: APRA Annual Fund-level Superannuation Statistics; ASFA Retirement Standard. For advice tailored to your super position, speak with a licensed financial adviser through MoneySmart.
See also: Super Calculators, Super by Age Guides, How Much Super to Retire?.