This Is the Average 401(k) Balance for Retirees Age 55 and Older
Key Points
By the time you reach your mid-50s, you should have a healthy stash of retirement savings.
Comparing your balance to the average and median figures can help you see where you stand.
However, it's more important to calculate your retirement needs than to rely solely on comparisons.
Contributing to a 401(k) is one of the most effective ways to save for retirement, but it can be tough to know how much to save.
Everyone's retirement goals will differ, and there's no single target everyone should aim for -- but that doesn't mean you can't see how you compare to others your age. Here's what the average 401(k) balance looks like for those age 55 and older.
Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Continue »
Image source: Getty Images.
The average 401(k) balance by age
Earlier this year, Vanguard released its 2025 How America Saves report, providing a snapshot of the average Vanguard retirement account participant's savings progress. The report included average and median 401(k) balances among Vanguard participants, including how those figures differ by age range.
In 2025, the average 401(k) balance was $271,320 for those age 55 to 64 and $299,442 for those age 65 and older.
| Age Range | Average 401(k) Balance | Median 401(k) Balance |
|---|---|---|
| Under 25 | $6,899 | $1,948 |
| 25 to 34 | $42,640 | $16,255 |
| 35 to 44 | $103,552 | $39,958 |
| 45 to 54 | $188,642 | $67,796 |
| 55 to 64 | $271,320 | $95,642 |
| 65 and older | $299,442 | $95,425 |
Source: Vanguard. Table by author.
Between the median and average, the median may be a more accurate representation of the typical worker's savings. Those with extremely high account balances can skew the average, while the median is the middle figure in the data set.
Again, everyone will have different retirement goals. So if your account balance isn't quite aligned with the average or median, that doesn't necessarily mean you're off track. Rather than basing your goals on someone else's progress, you're better off calculating your retirement needs based on your unique situation.
The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook
If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets" could help ensure a boost in your retirement income.
One easy trick could pay you as much as $23,760 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after. Join Stock Advisor to learn more about these strategies.
The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Related Articles
Tesla Stock Outlook: Competing With Rivian, Robotaxi Potential, and 2026 Prospects
There is much conversation about the prospect of investing in Tesla (TSLA) as we move closer to 2026. The volatility of its share price in 2025 is leading many investors to consider if they should purchase shares of Tesla given the alternatives available in terms of electric vehicles (Rivian, etc.).
Amazon Stock Predictions for 2026 to 2030: Will They Exceed Expectations and Achieve Major Long-Term Goals?
TradingKey - As we head into 2026, many investors are questioning where Amazon (AMZN) fits into the technology world.
A Crash After a Surge: Why Silver Lost 40% in a Week?
TradingKey - Spot silver (XAGUSD) prices continue to decline. Silver plunged 20% on Thursday, breaking below $71 per ounce, with the sell-off intensifying on Friday as prices fell further below $64. Compared to the all-time high set on January 29, silver prices have retraced more than 40%, wiping out nearly all gains accumulated over the previous month.
Is Bitcoin’s Four-Year Cycle Dead in 2026?
Is the Bitcoin 4-year cycle dead? After 2025 broke historical records with a red post-halving year, institutional analysts explore if the Bitcoin price has decoupled from the halving countdown. Analyze the impact of spot ETFs, global liquidity, and the roadmap to the 2028 halving in this 2026 market
