The answer depends on the type of retirement lifestyle you want.
This table displays figures from ASFA’s Super Balance Detective, showing roughly how much you should have at different ages to be on track for a comfortable retirement.
Is your balance a little low? That’s okay. With the right strategies, you can grow your super and set yourself up for the retirement you deserve.
| Age | Super balance |
|---|---|
| 25 | $26,000 |
| 30 | $66,500 |
| 35 | $111,500 |
| 40 | $168,000 |
| 45 | $226,000 |
| 50 | $296,000 |
| 55 | $377,000 |
| 60 | $469,000 |
| 65 | $571,000 |
Source: Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA). Super Balance Detective accessed August 2025.
While every individual’s circumstances and spending habits are different, an often-used measure is ASFA's (Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia) Retirement Standard, which suggests that a retirement income of approximately $75,319 a year for couples, or $53,289 a year for individuals, will support a comfortable lifestyle (as at June 2025).
That equates to a super balance of approximately $690,000 in super for a couple, and $595,000 for individuals. It also assumes you own your own home, and are not making any mortgage or rent payments.
| ASFA Standard | |
|---|---|
| Couple | $690,000 (super balance at age 67) |
| Single | $595,000 (super balance at age 67) |
The table below displays the median super fund balances by age and gender^. You can use this table to compare your balance against what most people have in Australia.
As you can see, the financial reality for many people does not meet the targets recommended for a comfortable retirement. What can be done in these cases? Keep reading to learn how you can boost your super balance.
| Age | Male: median account balance | Female: median account balance |
|---|---|---|
| under 18 | $350 | $220 |
| 18-24 | $5,394 | $4,963 |
| 25-29 | $19,220 | $19,162 |
| 30-34 | $41,268 | $36,016 |
| 35-39 | $74,130 | $57,566 |
| 40-44 | $108,344 | $79,445 |
| 45-49 | $144,272 | $101,888 |
| 50-54 | $177,194 | $122,150 |
| 55-59 | $202,583 | $140,662 |
| 60-64 | $219,773 | $163,218 |
| 65-69 | $217,954 | $199,006 |
| 70-74 | $214,749 | $215,202 |
| 75 and over | $185,228 | $179,928 |
Source: ^Individuals statistics for Taxation statistics 2022–23 | Australian Taxation Office
While mandatory contributions help to build your super, there are smart ways to grow your balance even more to achieve your retirement goals.
Salary sacrifice contributions are a type of concessional contributions, and are made from your pre-tax income.
Key features of Salary sacrificing
Also known as non-concessional contributions, these come from your take-home pay and aren’t taxed again when they go into your super account.
Key features of after-tax contributions
If you have a default MySuper account, you can choose more growth-driven options within your investment portfolio.
You can boost your partner’s super with spouse contributions. Plus, you might receive a tax offset in return.
If you’re a low or middle-income earner, the government may match your after-tax contributions with a super co-contribution. Up to $500 per year.
Boost your super and potentially save on tax. Our Super Contribution calculator can show you how salary sacrificing and making additional contributions can grow your balance over the long term
Boost your super and potentially save on tax. Our Super Contribution calculator can show you how salary sacrificing and making additional contributions can grow your balance over the long term
It’s the golden question when it comes to retirement. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. In this short explainer, we take you through the key things to consider, and showcase a range of handy tools and resources, to help you find the answer that works for you and your unique circumstances.
Expert advice can help you build your long-term super balance, and plan a better retirement. An initial appointment with one of our planners is available at no additional cost.
Super’s been compulsory since the early 1990s, but many Australians are still playing catch-up. Women, in particular, tend to retire with less super, often due to career breaks, part-time work, and the gender pay gap. This means they miss out on years of super contributions or receive lower amounts when they're contributing.
At Equip Super, we believe everyone deserves a secure retirement. That’s why we offer tailored advice and proactive strategies to help you grow your super at every life stage. Book in for a free chat.
At age 30, you should have $66,500 if you’re aiming for a comfortable retirement by 67.**
If your balance is lower than this, don’t stress, you’ve still got time on your side to grow your super. You could:
Add a little extra through salary sacrifice or voluntary contributions.
Check you’re in an investment option that suits your age and goals.
Compare your fund’s performance and fees to make sure you’re getting great value.
**Source: ASFA Super Balance Detective.
At age 40, you should have $168,000 to stay on track for a comfortable retirement by 67.**
If you’re not quite there, small changes now can make a big difference later. You might:
Boost your contributions where you can.
Review your investment mix to ensure it aligns with your long-term financial goals.
Combine any other super accounts to save on fees. Just be aware of any impact this may have on any insurance coverage you have with other funds.
**Source: ASFA Super Balance Detective.
At age 50, you should have $296,000 if you’re aiming for a comfortable retirement by 67.**
If you’re a bit behind, this is a good time to take action and get a plan in place. Think about:
Increasing your before-tax contributions through salary sacrificing.
Ensuring your investment choices remain aligned with your retirement timeline.
Consulting a financial advisor for a personalised strategy.
**Source: ASFA Super Balance Detective.
At age 60, you should have $469,000 to be on track for a comfortable retirement by 67.**
If you’re not where you’d like to be, there’s still time to strengthen your position:
Maximise your contributions in the years leading up to retirement.
Review your fees and insurance so they’re not eating into your balance.
Get expert advice on how to make the most of your final working years.
**Source: ASFA Super Balance Detective.
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