Understanding how much super you should have at your age is one of the most important steps toward securing your financial future. Whether you’re in your 30s just starting to pay attention to retirement, or approaching 60 and wondering if you’re on track, knowing the benchmarks can help you plan ahead and make informed decisions about your super savings.
Quick answer: how much super should you have by age 67?
According to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), the latest December quarter 2025 figures show that to achieve a comfortable retirement by age 67, individuals should aim for a superannuation balance of $584,000. However, as of 2026, the recommended superannuation balances for a comfortable retirement at age 67 are $630,000 for singles and $730,000 for couples, assuming homeownership.
These lump sum figures are calculated in today’s dollars and assume you own your home outright, receive a partial age pension, and your super fund delivers balanced investment returns of around 6.3% per annum. Your money is designed to last until age 95–98, accounting for increasing life expectancy.
For a modest retirement, the targets are considerably lower. Australians aiming for a modest retirement lifestyle may need $110,000 for singles or $120,000 for couples by age 67—though this relies heavily on the full Age Pension for income.
Retirement Type | Single | Couple |
|---|---|---|
Modest | $110,000 | $120,000 |
Comfortable | $630,000 | $730,000 |
These are guides, not guarantees. Your actual needs depend on lifestyle, health, and other income streams.
What is the retirement age in Australia?
You can retire whenever you choose, but access to your super account and the age pension is governed by specific age rules:
Age Pension eligibility: For anyone born from 1 January 1957 onwards, the pension age is 67
Preservation age: Ranges from 55 to 60 depending on your date of birth; most people can access super tax-free from age 60
Transition options: Many Australians work part-time before full retirement, so your super may need to support reduced income first
The average retirement age in Australia sits around 64.8 for men and 64.2 for women, though claiming the Age Pension typically peaks at age 67.
What does a ‘comfortable’ vs ‘modest’ retirement mean?
The ASFA Retirement Standard, updated quarterly, defines what Australians can expect to spend in retirement. The December quarter 2025 update provides clear distinctions between lifestyle levels.
Modest retirement covers:
Basic living expenses slightly above Age Pension level
Limited private health insurance with gaps
A reliable second-hand car
Occasional dining out, no regular holidays
Comfortable retirement lets you enjoy:
Private health insurance with full extras
A reasonable car replaced every 10 years
One overseas trip annually plus domestic holidays
Weekly dining out and streaming services
Running air conditioning without financial stress
Modest wardrobe updates and hobbies
Lifestyle | Single (Annual) | Couple (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
Modest | $35,503 | $51,299 |
Comfortable | $54,840 | $77,375 |
Assumes retirees own their home and are in good health.
How much super should you have at your age?
The “right” amount of super is personal, but age-based targets help you track whether you’re on course for a comfortable retirement. To reach a comfortable retirement, benchmarks suggest aiming for $66,500 at age 30, $168,000 at age 40, $296,000 at age 50, and $469,000 at age 60.
Age | Target Balance |
|---|---|
30 | $66,500 |
35 | $111,500 |
40 | $168,000 |
50 | $296,000 |
55 | $377,000 |
60 | $469,000 |
67 | $630,000 |
Source: ASFA’s Super Balance Detective calculator, 2026 figures
At age 30, the estimated superannuation balance needed for a comfortable retirement is $59,000, while at age 40, it increases to $156,000. The ASFA suggests that by age 50, individuals should have approximately $281,000 saved in their superannuation to ensure a comfortable retirement.
Guidance by life stage:
Under 30: Focus on contribution rate and investment growth rather than current balance
30s–40s: Compare your super balance against targets and review investment options
50s–60s: Consider catch-up contributions, reducing debt, and detailed planning
Average super balances by age group (and why they differ)
Average superannuation balances are often lower than the recommended targets, with significant differences based on age and gender. The average balance for Australians aged 60–64 is approximately $263,400—well below the $469,000 target.
Age Group | Average Balance |
|---|---|
25–29 | $38,000 |
30–34 | $59,000 |
35–39 | $101,500 |
40–44 | $120,000 |
55–59 | $220,000 |
60–64 | $263,400 |
Source: ATO data 2023–24, rounded figures
The gender super gap is significant. The average superannuation balance for women aged 40-44 is $107,538, which is significantly lower than the average balance of $139,431 for men in the same age group, highlighting the gender super gap. Women in Australia generally retire with lower superannuation balances than men, primarily due to factors such as taking career breaks for caregiving responsibilities and working part-time jobs.
The gender superannuation gap indicates that average balances for women are typically 25-30% lower than those for men due to various factors, including career breaks and the gender pay gap. Women often raise children, care for ageing parents, and return to part-time work, compounding the gap through lost contributions and reduced investment returns.
Median balances (the midpoint) are often lower than averages because a small number of large balances skew the data upward. Use averages as context, not as a measure of personal success.
How to check and consolidate your super (including lost super)
Knowing your current superannuation balance is the first step in planning for retirement. Here’s how to check via myGov:
Log into myGov and navigate to ATO online services
Select Super > View accounts to see all accounts in your name
Search for lost super (inactive 16+ months) or ATO-held amounts
Request consolidation into your chosen super fund
Consolidating multiple super accounts can help reduce fees and simplify management, as many Australians hold two or more super accounts. Before consolidating, review insurance cover and any exit fees in each fund.
Check your super regularly—at least annually—to track contributions, fees, and investment performance. Keep your Tax File Number updated to avoid paying extra tax on contributions.
Why your balance might be lower than others your age
Falling behind an average balance or target is common and often explainable. Key reasons include:
Income and work history: Casual work, self-employment, or time overseas
Workforce breaks: Study, parental leave, illness, or redundancy
Investment options: Conservative options typically deliver lower returns than growth options
Fees and multiple super accounts: High fees can erode balances significantly
A survey indicated that women are more likely to experience financial stress, with 35% of women reporting moderate to severe financial stress compared to 21% of men, which can impact their superannuation savings.
Market downturns temporarily reduce balances, especially in growth options, but these typically recover over time. Catching up is still possible in your 40s, 50s, and early 60s through deliberate contributions and working longer.
Ways to boost your super balance at any age
Small, consistent actions create a big difference to your retirement income due to compounding. To increase your super balance, consider making voluntary contributions, which can be tax-effective and help you save for the long term.
Employer super guarantee (SG):
Currently 11.5% (rising to 12% from July 2025)
Applies to most employees over 18
Key strategies for extra money:
Salary sacrifice: Pre-tax contributions that reduce taxable income and provide a tax deduction
Personal contributions: Claim a tax deduction via notice of intent to your fund
After-tax contributions: Non-concessional contributions up to $120,000 annually
Government co-contributions: Up to $500 match for eligible low-income earners
Spouse contributions: Help address the gender gap within couples
Salary sacrificing into your super can significantly boost your retirement savings; for example, contributing an extra $100 per month could result in an additional $47,400 at retirement.
Review your fund’s fees and long-term future performance records. Avoid reacting to short-term market volatility—super is a long-term investment.
How your investment options affect a comfortable retirement
Over decades, your choice of investment options matters as much as how much superannuation you contribute.
Option | Risk Level | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
Conservative | Low | ~3.5% p.a. |
Balanced | Medium | ~6.3% p.a. |
Growth | Higher | ~7-9% p.a. |
ASFA retirement standard assumptions use balanced returns. Younger members can typically accept more volatility for higher growth, while those nearing retirement age may gradually shift to defensive assets.
Compare your other fund options using the ATO’s YourSuper comparison tool or ASIC Moneysmart. Align your choices with your time until accessing super and your comfort with market fluctuations.
Putting it all together: planning for a comfortable retirement
To retire comfortably, you need to understand how much you need, where you stand, and the steps between. Your retirement depends on deliberate planning.
Steps to take:
Define your preferred retirement age (65, 67, or beyond)
Choose whether you’re targeting modest or comfortable retirement per ASFA
List expected income sources: super, Age Pension, investments, part-time work
Use reputable calculators from ASIC Moneysmart or your super fund to model scenarios. Review progress annually—check your balance, track against targets, and adjust contributions if needed.
Many Australians plan to work part-time into their late 60s to reduce pressure on super savings and maintain a good standard of living.
How Money Path can help you grow your super and plan for retirement
Money Path is an independent Australian financial advice and education service helping Australians make clear decisions about super and retirement.
Money Path can help you:
Calculate how much super you personally need by age 67 based on your income, debts, and retirement goals
Show how your super compares to ASFA targets and Australian Taxation Office averages for your age group
Build a step-by-step contribution plan using salary sacrifice and voluntary contributions
Money Path’s advice covers choosing investment options, maximising tax benefits, and approaching lost super efficiently. The service offers conflict-free guidance with no product sales—just plain-English education so you understand your financial future at every age.
Ready to see if you’re on track? Book a session with Money Path to create your personalised pathway toward a comfortable retirement.
Frequently asked questions: how much super should you have at your age?
How much super should I have at 30, 40, 50, and 60?
Age | Target for Comfortable Retirement |
|---|---|
30 | $59,000–$66,500 |
40 | $156,000–$168,000 |
50 | $281,000–$296,000 |
60 | $469,000 |
Is the average super balance the same as what I “should” have?
No. The average superannuation balance for individuals aged 40-44 is approximately $139,431 for men and $107,538 for women, indicating a significant shortfall compared to the target of $156,000 for a comfortable retirement. For individuals aged 30, the average super balance is around $59,000, while at age 35, it increases to approximately $101,500.
Can I still retire comfortably if my super is below the ASFA retirement standard?
Yes—consider working longer, adjusting lifestyle expectations, making higher contributions now, or supplementing with other savings.
What if I don’t own my home by retirement?
Renters may need significantly higher savings for a modest lifestyle, estimated at $340,000 for singles and $385,000 for couples.
Is age 67 the only time I can access my super?
No. Most people access super tax-free from age 60 (preservation age), but Age Pension eligibility starts at 67 for those born from 1957.
Should I get financial advice about my super?
Personalised advice from a financial adviser can help tailor strategies to your situation. Money Path offers practical, conflict-free guidance to create a plan for your super at any age.
