By the time Australians reach 55, retirement stops feeling theoretical and starts looking close enough to plan for.
With roughly 12 years until the age pension begins at 67, many people start taking a hard look at their super and wondering whether they are genuinely on track.
But superannuation isn't a subject that most people want to talk about, and there is no obvious benchmark to compare yourself against.
So, what does the average 55-year-old actually have saved for retirement? Let's break it down.
What is the average superannuation balance at age 55?
There isn't a single precise figure for 55-year-olds, but we can get a clear estimate by looking at the adjacent age groups from data provided by superannuation fund Rest Super. It had approximately 2 million members and around $100 billion in funds under management at the end of September.
According to the data, women aged 50–54 hold an average balance of $176,824, which rises to $228,259 in the 55–59 bracket.
Men in the same groups have $237,084 and $301,922, respectively.
Taking the midpoint of each range gives us a reasonable estimate of where the average 55-year-old sits today:
- Women: approximately $200,000
- Men: approximately $270,000
If your balance is close to these figures, you are tracking broadly in line with the national average. However, being average and being retirement-ready are not always the same thing.
Is this enough for a comfortable retirement?
According to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), a single person needs about $595,000 in super to achieve a comfortable retirement.
This type of retirement covers everyday living expenses plus extras like private health insurance, leisure activities, and occasional travel.
Using Rest Super's calculator, a 55-year-old woman earning $70,000 a year and starting with a $200,000 balance would reach around $375,000 by age 67. Whereas a man starting at $270,000 would finish with about $470,000.
Both figures fall short of ASFA's comfortable benchmark.
The picture looks far brighter for couples, though. An average 55-year-old couple, combining today's estimates, would reach roughly $812,000 by age 67. This is comfortably above ASFA's recommended $690,000 balance for couples.
For those targeting a no frills, modest retirement, the bar is much lower. ASFA estimates a single person needs around $100,000, assuming they will receive the age pension to cover the bulk of living costs.
What if your super balance isn't where you hoped?
Falling behind the average doesn't mean your retirement plans are derailed. At 55, there is still meaningful time to boost your savings, particularly with higher concessional contribution caps, downsizer contributions (if eligible), and the compounding effect of strong long-term returns.
It may also be worth reviewing whether your investment option matches your time horizon, your fund's fees and long-term performance, and whether consolidating multiple accounts could reduce costs.
Small adjustments now can translate into tens of thousands more by retirement.
Foolish takeaway
Understanding the average superannuation balance at 55 is useful, but it is only a starting point. What matters most is whether your super, combined with other savings and future income sources, aligns with the lifestyle you want in retirement.
With more than a decade ahead before reaching pension age, there's still time to grow your nest egg.
