See how your super balance compares with others your age
Compare your balance with national averages and explore what you may need for retirement
9 July 2026
Understanding how your super compares with others your age can help you assess whether you're on track for the retirement lifestyle you want.
Comparing your super with national averages provides a useful snapshot of your progress towards retirement. While everyone's circumstances are different, seeing how your balance measures up can help you understand where you stand and identify opportunities to boost your retirement savings.
Research from the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) shows the average super balances of Australians by age and gender. These figures can serve as a helpful benchmark, giving you an indication of whether your super is broadly in line with others at a similar stage of life.
Once you have a clearer picture of your current position, you can start planning for the retirement lifestyle you want. Whether you're ahead of the average, close to it or have some catching up to do, understanding your super balance today can help you make more informed decisions about your future.
Average super balances by age and gender
Here’s how average super balances compare across age groups and genders, from a report by the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia’s (ASFA) using 2022/23 data from the Australian Taxation Office1.
| Age |
Male average super balance |
Female average super balance |
| Under 18 |
$7,687 |
$4,699 |
| 18–24 |
$9,062 |
$8,163 |
| 25–29 |
$27,021 |
$24,821 |
| 30–34 |
$55,690 |
$46,586 |
| 35–39 |
$96,122 |
$76,020 |
| 40–44 |
$140,680 |
$109,209 |
| 45–49 |
$193,501 |
$147,146 |
| 50–54 |
$254,071 |
$190,175 |
| 55–59 |
$319,743 |
$242,945 |
| 60–64 |
$395,852 |
$313,360 |
| 65–69 |
$448,518 |
$392,274 |
| 70–74 |
$501,785 |
$449,540 |
| 75 or more |
$525,627 |
$454,333 |
- Source: The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia, An Update on Superannuation Account Balances October 2025, based on 2022/23 data from the Australian Taxation Office.
These figures show that average super balances increase steadily with age as ongoing contributions and investment earnings build over time.
However, a consistent gap remains between men and women across all age groups. Women in their early 60s, for example, retire with significantly less super on average than men the same age. This reflects a range of factors, including time taken out of the workforce for caring responsibilities, higher rates of part-time employment, and lower average earnings.
While the gap remains, understanding the factors behind it can help women take proactive steps to build their super balance and improve their retirement outcomes over time.
How much super you’ll need
The amount you’ll need for retirement depends on the lifestyle you hope to enjoy.
The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) provides a useful guide known as the ASFA Retirement Standard, which estimates how much annual income Australians need for two different levels of retirement living.
- Modest lifestyle – considered better than relying solely on the Age Pension but allows only for basic activities and essentials.
- Comfortable lifestyle – allows retirees to maintain a good standard of living, including private health insurance, quality clothing, household goods, a reliable car, and the ability to enjoy leisure activities and occasional holidays.
ASFA updates its data quarterly to reflect changes in the cost of living. Its research provides retirement budgets for both homeowners and renters and assumes retirees are in reasonably good health. Refer to the ASFA Retirement Standard for the full list of assumptions.
This table shows estimated annual budgets for people aged 65–84 (as at March 2026 quarter).
| Category |
Annual income required |
| Comfortable retirement |
Modest retirement |
Modest lifestyle (renters) |
| Single person |
$55,923 a year |
$36,434 a year |
$51,164 a year |
| Couple |
$78,566 a year |
$52,473 a year |
$69,002 a year |
ASFA also estimates the super balances required for retirement at age 67, as shown in the table below (as at March 2026 quarter).
| Category |
Savings required at retirement |
| Comfortable retirement |
Modest retirement |
Modest retirement (renters) |
| Single person |
$630,000 |
$110,000 |
$340,000 |
| Couple |
$730,000 |
$120,000 |
$385,000 |
In its estimates, ASFA assumes that retirees will draw down all their capital and receive a part Age Pension. Refer to the ASFA Retirement Standard for the full list of assumptions.
These figures can help you set realistic goals and plan ahead to achieve the lifestyle you want in retirement.
Checking whether you’re on track
Once you know how much you may need for retirement, the next step is to see whether your current savings are on track to get you there.
The quickest way to check your balance is by logging into your account through Member Online or the Brighter Super mobile app.
When you know your balance, you can start exploring your options using our calculators – you’ll find both on our website, at tools and calculators.
- Retirement Income Calculator helps estimate your projected super balance and income at the age you plan to retire. It considers your contributions, investment returns, fees, inflation, and any Age Pension you may be eligible to receive.
- What Age Can I Retire? Calculator helps you understand the age at which you could afford to retire. It can show you where you are today, where you may want to be in the future, and what adjustments could help you achieve the lifestyle you want.
Using these calculators can help you make informed decisions about your super and feel more confident that you’re taking the right steps toward your long-term goals.
Growing your superannuation
If your current balance or projections show you may fall short of your retirement goals, there are several ways to grow your super balance. Even small changes made early can have a significant impact over time.
You can make super contributions either before or after tax. The type of contribution that’s best for you will depend on your income and personal situation.
Here are some of the ways you can grow your super:
- Salary sacrifice – an arrangement with your employer to contribute part of your before-tax pay directly into super.
- Personal contributions – using money from your after-tax income, and because tax has already been paid, these contributions are not taxed when they go into super.
- Spouse contributions – if you’re married or in a de-facto relationship, you may be eligible to add to your partner’s super, helping each other save tax and grow your retirement savings.
- Downsizer contributions – if you’re eligible and aged 55 or over, you can contribute part of the proceeds from selling your home to super.
- Government support – programs like the super co-contribution and the low-income super tax offset can help eligible people boost their super.
Find out more about the different types of super contributions, including conditions and eligibility.
When making extra contributions, it’s important to understand the contribution caps for both before-tax and after-tax contributions. While there may be tax benefits to contributing more to super, exceeding these limits could mean paying additional tax.
We’re here to help
If you would like to discuss how these changes might affect you, our team of superannuation specialists and financial advisers can help you. Find out more about Brighter Super’s advice services and how to book an appointment.
If you already have a financial adviser, they can help you make informed decisions about your super.
Brighter Super also runs live webinars and in-person seminars throughout the year. We cover a wide range of super and retirement topics, helping you to make informed decisions about your financial future. For information and registrations, visit our events page.
To view or update your account at any time, log in to Member Online or download the Brighter Super mobile app.
The information contained is up to date at the time of publishing. Some of the information may change following its release. Any questions can be referred to Brighter Super by calling 1800 444 396, or by emailing info@brightersuper.com.au.
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You should obtain and consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) before making any decision to acquire any products. A TMD is a document that outlines the target market a product has been designed for. Find the PDSs and TMDs at brightersuper.com.au/pds-and-guides.
This article provides general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. As such, you should consider whether it is appropriate in light of your own objectives, financial situation and needs prior to making any decision. You should consult a licensed financial adviser if you require advice which takes into account your personal financial circumstances.
