Business · Markets · 1 hr ago
Australian super balances rise with age, but women have less than men on average
Superannuation is money Australians save for retirement.
Guide figures show average balances of about $319,743 for men aged 55 to 59 and $242,945 for women in that age group.
For people aged 65 to 69, the figures are about $448,518 for men and $392,274 for women.
The figures cover age ranges, so they are not exact averages for people who are exactly 55 or 65.
The article says women’s lower balances are linked to time out of work or reduced hours for family care.
A comfortable retirement is estimated to cost about $56,166 a year for one person or $78,998 for a couple; the estimates assume retirement at 67, owning a home outright and receiving part of the Age Pension.
It suggests having about $348,500 at 55 to be on track for $630,000 at retirement, and about $578,000 at 65 to reach $650,000 by 67.
Average Australian superannuation balances are higher for people aged 65 to 69 than for those aged 55 to 59.
Men have higher average balances than women in both age groups, according to figures attributed to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia.
For ages 55 to 59, the average balance is about $319,743 for men and $242,945 for women.
For ages 65 to 69, the averages are about $448,518 for men and $392,274 for women.
The article says women’s lower balances are linked to time out of work or reduced hours for child-raising and caregiving.
- Who
- Australians aged 55 to 59 and 65 to 69, with average balances compared by gender.
- What
- The article compares average superannuation balances and estimates balances needed to be on track for a comfortable retirement.
- When
- Published on 12 October 2026.
- Where
- Australia.
- Why
- Women’s lower balances are attributed to time out of the workforce or reduced working hours for child-raising and caregiving.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
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- Men aged 55–59
- Average superannuation balance of about $319,743
- Women aged 55–59
- Average superannuation balance of about $242,945
- Men aged 65–69
- Average superannuation balance of about $448,518
- Women aged 65–69
- Average superannuation balance of about $392,274
- Comfortable retirement target
- About $630,000 for a single person and $730,000 for a couple at retirement
- Age-55 target
- About $348,500 in superannuation to be on track for the article’s retirement estimate
Sources
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