Average 401(k)
Balance by Age
The average 401(k) was $167,970, but the typical participant — the median — had $44,115. Enter your age and balance to see where you stand.
Compare Your 401(k)
Half of participants aged 35–44 have less than $46,919. You're $6,919 short of the midpoint.
- Median, 35–44
- $46,919
- Average, 35–44
- $120,742
- You
- $40,000
401(k) Balances by Age
Median and average balance per participant, by age band. The last column shows how far the average overstates the typical account.
| Age | Median | Average | Avg ÷ median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 25 | $2,234 | $7,259 | 3.2× |
| 25–34 | $18,732 | $50,261 | 2.7× |
| 35–44 | $46,919 | $120,742 | 2.6× |
| 45–54 | $78,730 | $214,991 | 2.7× |
| 55–64 | $107,269 | $305,006 | 2.8× |
| 65 and older | $103,202 | $330,186 | 3.2× |
Compare to the median
The average runs 2.6–3.2× the median in every band. Below average but above the median still puts you ahead of most people your age.
Balances peak before 65
The highest median is at 55–64 ($107,269). At 65+ it slips to $103,202 — likely as retirees withdraw or roll money into IRAs.
The spread is wide
About one in four participants had under $10,000, while 18% had $250,000 or more.
Go Further
Net Worth Percentile by Age
A 401(k) is one account. Rank everything you own and owe against US households your age.
Open401(k) Optimizer
See how your contribution rate and employer match change your balance at retirement.
OpenRetirement Planner
Project whether your savings will cover the retirement you want.
OpenCommon Questions
What is the average 401(k) balance by age?
In Vanguard's How America Saves 2026 report (2025 data), average balances were $7,259 for Under 25, $50,261 for 25–34, $120,742 for 35–44, $214,991 for 45–54, $305,006 for 55–64, $330,186 for 65 and older.
Should I compare myself to the average or the median?
The median. Half of participants have more and half have less. The average is pulled up by a minority of very large accounts and runs 2.6–3.2× the median in every age band.
Does this include IRAs or old 401(k)s?
No. Each figure is one account in one Vanguard-administered plan. Rollover IRAs, old employer plans and a spouse's plan aren't included, so many people have more saved than these numbers show.
Data & method
Source: Vanguard, How America Saves 2026 (2025 year-end balances, participants in Vanguard-administered plans). Figures cross-checked against two independent reports citing the same data. The average-to-median ratio is our calculation. Balances cover one plan only, not IRAs or other accounts. Updated each June with the new edition. Informational only; not financial advice.