Average 401(k) Balance by Age (2026): How Do You Compare?
The average 401(k) balance hit an all-time high of $167,970 in 2026 — but before you feel behind, know that the median is just $44,115. That gap tells the real story: a handful of very large accounts pull the average way up, so the typical saver has far less. Here's the full breakdown by age, and why you should compare yourself to the median, not the average. More in our Personal Finance Statistics Hub →
Average 401(k) Balance by Age
| Age Group | Average Balance | Median Balance |
|---|---|---|
| Under 25 | $6,899 | $1,948 |
| 25–34 | $42,640 | $16,255 |
| 35–44 | $103,552 | $39,958 |
| 45–54 | $188,643 | $67,796 |
| 55–64 | $272,600 | $84,700 |
| 65 & older | $299,442 | $95,425 |
| All ages | $167,970 | $44,115 |
Source: Vanguard, How America Saves 2026 (data through December 31, 2025). Figures reflect Vanguard-administered defined-contribution plans; balances vary by plan, tenure, and income.
Median Balance by Age — Visual
📌 Key Insight
Always compare yourself to the median, not the average. In the 55–64 group the average is $272,600, but the median is only $84,700 — a $188,000 gap created by a small number of huge accounts. If your balance looks small next to the "average," you're probably closer to normal than you think. The median is where the actual middle saver sits.
How Much Should You Have by Age?
A widely used benchmark from Fidelity gives you a running target based on your salary: 1x saved by 30, 3x by 40, 6x by 50, 8x by 60, and 10x by 67. Someone earning $70,000 would aim for about $70,000 by 30 and roughly $700,000 by 67. These are guideposts — your real target depends on your spending and other income like Social Security. See our full breakdown in how much money you need to retire.
How to Grow Your 401(k) Faster
- Get the full employer match — it's an instant 50–100% return you can't beat anywhere else.
- Raise your contribution 1% a year, or bump it with every raise so you never feel the cut.
- Keep costs low with broad index funds — fees compound against you over decades.
- Max out if you can — the 2026 contribution limit is higher than prior years. See our 2026 contribution limits guide.
Find Your Retirement Number
Not sure how much you'll actually need? Our guide walks through the 4% rule and targets by age and spending level.
How Much to Retire → Best Investing AppsFrequently Asked Questions
The average is $167,970 (an all-time high), but the median is just $44,115. The average is inflated by a small number of very large accounts, so the median is the better benchmark for most people.
Average / median: under 25 ~$6,899 / $1,948; 25–34 ~$42,640 / $16,255; 35–44 ~$103,552 / $39,958; 45–54 ~$188,643 / $67,796; 55–64 ~$272,600 / $84,700; 65+ ~$299,442 / $95,425.
A small number of very large accounts pull the average up. The median — the exact middle of all accounts — reflects the typical saver. For 55–64, the average is $272,600 but the median is only $84,700.
A common Fidelity benchmark: 1x salary by 30, 3x by 40, 6x by 50, 8x by 60, and 10x by 67. Behind? Raising your contribution rate and getting the full match are the fastest ways to catch up.
Capture the full employer match, raise your contribution 1% a year, keep fees low with index funds, and max out if you can. Consistent automatic contributions beat trying to time the market.