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.
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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.
