How much super you should have depends on your age, income and the kind of retirement you want. This page provides general benchmarks by age and explains the key factors that influence how much you may need over time. The figures below are indicative only.
Is there a “right” amount of super?
There is no single target that works for everyone. How much super is enough will vary based on lifestyle expectations, retirement age and other sources of income.
Benchmarks such as average super by age can be helpful for context, but they are not personal recommendations.
Super is designed to support income in retirement alongside other resources, such as savings, investments or the Age Pension.
How much super should I have by age
Many people look at super by age as a reference point. The table below shows average balances based on broad industry data. Actual balances vary widely depending on work history, income and contribution patterns.
The amount of super you may need comes down to the retirement lifestyle you’re aiming for. If your goal is a comfortable retirement at 67, these figures can give you an idea of whether you’re on the right path. You can also track your progress using Super Guru's Super Balance Detective Calculator.
| Age (years) | Super balance |
|---|---|
| 25 | $27,500 |
| 30 | $70,500 |
| 35 | $118,000 |
| 40 | $178,000 |
| 45 | $239,000 |
| 50 | $313,500 |
| 55 | $399,000 |
| 60 | $496,500 |
| 65 | $604,500 |
Source: ASFA's Super Balance Detective, accessed March 2026.
If your balance is below the average for your age, it doesn’t mean you’re off track - but it may be a prompt to review making personal or voluntary contributions, consolidate multiple super accounts, or adjust your investment strategy. On the other hand, if your balance is above average, continuing your current habits may put you in a stronger position to reach your ideal retirement lifestyle.
To explore what your retirement income might look like, the MoneySmart Retirement Planner is another useful tool. It starts with standardised assumptions, and you can personalise the inputs for greater accuracy.
How much super do you need to retire comfortably?
The amount of super needed for retirement depends largely on lifestyle. Some people aim for a modest retirement with lower spending, while others plan for higher ongoing costs such as travel or private health care.
Common retirement standards provide general estimates for annual income needs, but these are not guarantees. Housing costs, personal circumstances and access to government support can significantly change how much super is required.
Factors that affect how much super you’ll need
Several factors influence how much super by age may be needed over time:
- Your in retirement — Higher spending generally requires a larger balance.
- When you plan to retire — Retiring earlier means super may need to last longer.
- Whether you own your home — Housing costs can materially affect retirement income needs.
- Investment returns and fees — Long-term outcomes are influenced by net returns.
- Access to the Age Pension — Eligibility may supplement retirement income for some people.
What if I’m behind on my super?
Being below benchmarks is common, particularly after career breaks or periods of lower income. What matters most is understanding your options and reviewing how your super is tracking.
This may include making additional contributions where appropriate, reviewing investment settings or learning more about ways to grow your super.
Some people may receive the Age Pension, but eligibility and payment levels depend on assets, income and policy settings.
Owning a home outright can reduce living costs and may lower required super balances.