How much superannuation do I need to earn $100 a day in passive income?

To earn a $100 daily passive income, how much superannuation will I need to invest?

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

We've been writing a fair bit lately on how you might want to invest some of your superannuation into ASX dividend shares to secure a long-term passive income stream in your retirement years.

To be clear, it's likely not in your best interests to invest all of your super balance into the stock market.

If you are going to invest a reasonably large portion, you may want to consider investing some of that in international stocks. This way your superannuation savings aren't overly exposed to just the Aussie market.

You'll also want to keep some liquid funds handy for any unexpected costly events, so you won't need to sell any of your ASX shares during future market downturns.

With this in mind, how much you need to invest in ASX dividend shares to earn $100 a day – or $36,500 a year – will obviously depend on the yield you're earning.

While chasing a few high-yield stocks may be tempting, you'll often find that the yields look appealing because the company's share prices have fallen sharply since their last dividend declarations. That could signal lower dividend payments ahead.

You also need to be careful if you're considering buying just a few quality ASX dividend shares.

A properly diversified passive income portfolio will contain a lot more than just a few stocks. There's no magic number. But 15 is a reasonable ball park figure. Ideally, you'll own companies operating in various sectors and locations. This will reduce the risk of your passive income stream taking a big hit if any one company or sector hits a rough patch.

Which brings us back to…

Numerous Australian dollar notes laid out.

Image source: Getty Images

Tapping into superannuation for $100 a day in passive income

Rather than trying to build a new passive income portfolio from scratch, and researching dozens of ASX dividend shares, you might want to consider a dividend paying exchange traded fund (ETF).

Take State Street SPDR MSCI Australia Select High Dividend Yield ETF (ASX: SYI), for example.

This ASX ETF pays quarterly dividends, which can be handy during retirement if you're waiting on that next passive income payout. And management costs are just 0.20% per year.

Pleasingly, the share price has gained 7.0% in 2026. You don't want to invest your superannuation in stocks going backwards. Ideally, you want annual share price gains to at least match the inflation rate. This way inflation won't erode the real value of your superannuation investment.

The top five holdings of the State Street SPDR MSCI Australia Select High Dividend Yield ETF are:

And the ETF trades on a trailing dividend yield of 4.0%.

So, for $100 a day, or $36,500 a year, in passive income, you'd need to invest $912,500 today.

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Telstra Group. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Superannuation

Man holding fifty Australian Dollar banknotes in his hands, symbolising dividends.
Superannuation

How much do I need in my superannuation to retire comfortably at age 57?

Is your super balance on track for retirement?

Read more »

Elderly senior couple counting funds on calculator.
Superannuation

How much superannuation do Australian retirees actually need?

The amount Australians need for retirement can vary enormously, but these benchmarks provide a helpful starting point.

Read more »

Two elderly people smiling with their fists pumping and with a cape on.
Superannuation

How much is needed in superannuation to target a $70,000 annual passive income?

Investors can unlock tens of thousands of dollars in dividends through superannuation.

Read more »

Elder woman typing on her laptop.
Superannuation

Could a $1 million superannuation balance provide $50,000 a year in retirement?

I would want this retirement portfolio to generate income today while still providing enough growth for the decades ahead.

Read more »

An older couple use a calculator to work out what money they have to spend.
Superannuation

How much passive income can I earn off a $550,000 superannuation balance?

How much could your super realistically generate?

Read more »

Australian dollar notes in a nest, symbolising a nest egg.
Superannuation

How much passive income can I earn off a $750,000 superannuation balance?

Investing in quality ASX dividend shares can provide a reliable annual passive income stream.

Read more »

Happy woman standing in front of a house with a pen and clipboard.
Superannuation

Rates are rising again. Should you pay down your mortgage or top up your superannuation?

The answer changes with your tax rate.

Read more »

Woman using her laptop with her feet up.
Superannuation

Superannuation just had a fourth straight year of gains. Can it continue?

Four good years, one very narrow driver.

Read more »