401k Balance Benchmarks: Average vs. Median by Age (2025)
Average and median 401k balances by age vs. Fidelity retirement targets — 2024 Vanguard data
| Age Group | Average 401k Balance | Median 401k Balance | Fidelity Target (1x salary) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 25 | $8,200 | $2,800 | $30,000–$40,000 |
| 25–34 | $37,200 | $14,900 | $40,000–$65,000 |
| 35–44 | $97,800 | $36,100 | $120,000–$160,000 |
| 45–54 | $179,200 | $67,500 | $240,000–$300,000 |
| 55–64 | $244,900 | $87,500 | $360,000–$480,000 |
| 65+ | $282,000 | $88,000 | $700,000+ (for comfortable retirement) |
The median 401k balance for Americans aged 55–64 is $87,500. At a 4% withdrawal rate, this supports just $3,500/year in retirement income from their 401k. Social Security averages $1,900/month — making it the primary income source for most retirees.
What These Numbers Mean for Your Planning
Being above the median is a low bar. Being above the average means you’re significantly ahead of most Americans. The real question is whether your trajectory meets your personal retirement income needs — not whether you beat the average.
How to Calculate Your Personal Target
- Estimate your annual retirement spending: most people need 70–80% of pre-retirement income
- Subtract expected Social Security income (estimate at ssa.gov/myaccount)
- The remainder is what your 401k needs to fund annually
- Multiply by 25 (4% rule) to get required portfolio size
- Example: Need $80K/year, Social Security pays $24K, 401k must fund $56K/year × 25 = $1.4M
Target Balances by Salary Level
Fidelity-style retirement savings targets by current salary
| Current Salary | Age 30 Target (1x) | Age 40 Target (3x) | Age 50 Target (6x) | Age 60 Target (8x) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $50,000 | $150,000 | $300,000 | $400,000 |
| $70,000 | $70,000 | $210,000 | $420,000 | $560,000 |
| $90,000 | $90,000 | $270,000 | $540,000 | $720,000 |
| $120,000 | $120,000 | $360,000 | $720,000 | $960,000 |
| $150,000 | $150,000 | $450,000 | $900,000 | $1,200,000 |
If You’re Behind: The Catch-Up Math
Being behind the benchmarks at 40 is fixable. Being behind at 55 requires more aggressive action. Here’s what different catch-up approaches yield over 15 years for someone with $80,000 balance at age 50 aiming for $600,000 at 65:
Catch-up scenarios for a $80,000 balance at age 50 targeting $600,000
| Strategy | Monthly Investment | Balance at 65 (7%) | Gap to $600K |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current pace only | $600 | $312,000 | -$288,000 |
| Increase to $1,000/month | $1,000 | $437,000 | -$163,000 |
| Max 401k ($2,542/month) | $2,542 | $825,000 | +$225,000 over goal |
| Max + catch-up (50+) | $3,167/month | $998,000 | Exceeds goal |
See Where Your 401k Stands
Enter your current balance and contribution rate — see if you’re on track for your retirement income goal.