The average super balance across all Australians is now $182,781, according to the latest ATO data. But that single number hides a huge range. A 30-year-old and a 63-year-old are in completely different stages of their super journey, and men and women hold noticeably different balances at almost every age.
This post breaks down the average super balance by age using the ATO’s most recent figures, released in June 2026 from 2023-24 tax data. More usefully, it also covers the median balances, which tell a far more honest story about where most Australians actually sit.
How much super should you have at your age?
ASFA’s benchmark says a single homeowner needs around $630,000 at age 67 for a comfortable retirement, and a couple needs around $730,000 combined, assuming a part Age Pension tops things up. That funds annual spending of $55,923 for a single and $78,566 for a couple (ASFA Retirement Standard, March quarter 2026).
Working backwards from that target, ASFA’s Super Balance Detective suggests a single person is roughly on track for a comfortable retirement with about:
Age On-track balance
30 $70,500
40 $178,000
50 $313,500
60 $496,500
Source: ASFA Retirement Standard, assuming a future wage income of $65,000 a year.
Put the two tables side by side and the gap is obvious. The median 50 to 54-year-old holds around $161,000 against an on-track figure of $313,500. Most Australians are behind the comfortable benchmark at every age.
Please note: All figures, projections and scenarios in this article are approximate and for illustrative purposes only. Individual outcomes will vary based on personal circumstances, investment returns, fees and current government policy. This is general information, not personal advice.
That gap sounds alarming, but it needs context. The comfortable standard assumes you own your home and want private health insurance, regular meals out and an overseas trip every seven years. ASFA’s modest standard needs only around $110,000 for a single homeowner, because the Age Pension does most of the heavy lifting. Many retirements land somewhere between the two, funded by a mix of super, the Age Pension and other assets.
Want to see how your own numbers stack up? Run them through the free Wealthlab super calculator. It takes two minutes and gives you a clearer picture than any average ever could.
The gender super gap
The gap between men and women is visible in every age bracket and peaks in percentage terms through the middle years. At 50 to 54, the average man holds $271,498 against $205,029 for the average woman, a difference of around 32 per cent. Career breaks, part-time work and the gender pay gap all compound over decades.
The encouraging news is the gap is narrowing for younger Australians, and super is now paid on government paid parental leave. Scott and Phil covered the retirement challenges women face in a dedicated podcast episode, including the double bind that women retire earlier on average yet live longer, so a smaller balance has to stretch further. Their episode on women and retirement walks through what that means in practice.
What if you’re behind the average?
What if you’re behind the average?
First, remember most people are behind the comfortable benchmark, so you’re in the majority, not the exception. Second, the last decade of work does more heavy lifting than most people expect. Compounding on a larger balance, higher earning years and catch-up contributions can shift the picture considerably.
On the podcast, Scott put it this way: “The goal isn’t to die with the largest super balance possible. The goal is to convert capital into confident living.” That episode on the psychology of money is worth a listen if super comparisons are stressing you out, because the anxiety is often worse than the numbers.
Some of the levers Australians commonly use in the run-up to retirement include salary sacrifice, catch-up concessional contributions using unused cap space from the past five years, downsizer contributions after selling the family home and simply reviewing investment options and fees. Whether any of these suit your situation depends on individual factors, so it’s worth speaking with a qualified financial adviser before acting. Our superannuation advice page explains how we help people work through exactly this.
FAQ: average super balance by age
What is the average super balance in Australia?
The average super balance across all ages is $182,781, based on ATO Taxation Statistics 2023-24, released in June 2026. The median is much lower at $63,339, because a small number of very large balances pull the average up.
What is the average super balance at retirement age?
For Australians aged 60 to 64, the average balance is $413,700 for men and $327,440 for women. The medians are around $236,000 and $175,000 respectively, which better reflect what a typical person in that bracket holds.
How much super do I need to retire comfortably?
ASFA estimates a single homeowner needs around $630,000 at age 67 and a couple needs around $730,000 combined, assuming a part Age Pension. That supports annual spending of $55,923 for a single and $78,566 for a couple (March quarter 2026 figures).
Is the average or the median more useful?
The median. It shows the midpoint, where half of Australians have more and half have less. Averages are inflated by a small number of very large balances, so most people sit well below the average for their age.
Why do women have less super than men?
Career breaks for caring, higher rates of part-time work and the gender pay gap all reduce contributions over a working life. The gap peaks in the middle years and narrows somewhat by retirement age, and it is smaller for younger generations.
Does the Age Pension count towards these figures?
No. These figures are super balances only. The Age Pension is a separate government payment that many retirees receive on top of their super, and it materially changes how much super you actually need. Our pension and Centrelink advice page covers how the two interact.
Where to from here?
Averages are a starting point, not a verdict. If seeing these numbers has raised questions about your own retirement, have a chat with us. No pressure, no jargon. Book a free call with the Wealthlab team, or take the free Wealthlab retirement quiz for a general snapshot of where you stand.
Government figures in this article are set by the Australian Government and industry bodies and are typically updated through the year. Always check the ATO, Services Australia and ASFA for the latest.
