As individuals approach or enter retirement, understanding how their 401(k) savings compare to others in similar age brackets can be an insightful exercise. Large firms that administer millions of retirement accounts provide aggregated data offering such benchmarks. For instance, as of October 2025, Empower, a prominent retirement plan administrator, reported that the average 401(k) balance considering all age groups combined stood at $326,459. This figure encompasses a wide spread of participants, ranging from those many years away from retirement to those already retired or soon to retire.
Breaking down the data by specific age cohorts sheds further light on typical savings at various life stages. The statistics presented are as follows:
| Age Group | Average 401(k) Balance | Median 401(k) Balance |
|---|---|---|
| 20s | $107,171 | $40,050 |
| 30s | $211,257 | $81,441 |
| 40s | $419,948 | $164,580 |
| 50s | $635,320 | $253,454 |
| 60s | $577,454 | $186,902 |
| 70s | $425,589 | $92,225 |
| 80s | $418,911 | $78,534 |
Source: Empower.com
These balances are presented as both averages and medians. The average is computed by summing all account balances within a given group and dividing by the number of accounts. However, averages can be skewed by exceptionally high or low values. To counterbalance this effect, the median is used to indicate the middle value when account sizes are arranged in ascending order. For example, if a set of balances includes 20, 45, 48, 52, and 145 (in thousands), the average would be 62, while the median is 48 — the latter better representing a typical account holder’s savings.
Focusing on individuals in their seventies, the median 401(k) balance of $92,225 suggests that for many, retirement savings from this source alone may provide limited longevity in terms of income. Supplemental income is essential, such as Social Security benefits, which as of November averaged approximately $2,013 per month or about $24,000 annually. While this payment contributes to retirement income, it alone will unlikely suffice to cover all living expenses.
Therefore, it is prudent to develop diverse income streams for retirement. A well-rounded strategy might include dividends from stocks, interest payments from savings accounts, distributions from other retirement accounts, pensions, or annuities. Establishing multiple, reliable sources of income can improve financial stability throughout retirement.
Retirement planning requires careful consideration of anticipated expenses and realistic projections of income. Working toward a retirement account balance that exceeds average or median values within your cohort can provide a greater margin of safety and flexibility. Regular review and adjustments to your plan, starting well before retirement and continuing through the retirement years, is advisable to adapt to changing personal circumstances and market conditions.
Ultimately, retirees should aim to construct a sustainable financial plan to secure long-term support and maintain their quality of life during retirement years.