How Much Super Should You Have at 30, 40, and 50?
Super is one of those things most Australians know they should pay attention to — but most don't, until it's almost too late. Here are the benchmarks to know, where you should be at each age, and what to do if you're behind.
The superannuation guarantee: what you're getting
Since 1992, Australian employers have been required to pay a percentage of your salary into a super fund. The Superannuation Guarantee (SG) rate is now:
- 2024-25: 11.5% of ordinary time earnings
- From 1 July 2025: 12% (locked in permanently)
On a $90,000 salary: your employer is paying $10,350/year into super (at 11.5%). You never "see" this money — it goes directly into your fund. But it compounds over your career into your retirement nest egg.
How much should you have? Benchmarks by age
These benchmarks are based on ASFA projections and the assumption you'll need approximately $595,000 (single) or $690,000 (couple) for a comfortable retirement at 67 in 2026 dollars.
| Age | Benchmark (approx.) | Based on salary of $90,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 25 | $25,000 – $35,000 | ~$27,000 |
| 30 | $55,000 – $75,000 | ~$65,000 |
| 35 | $100,000 – $140,000 | ~$115,000 |
| 40 | $160,000 – $220,000 | ~$185,000 |
| 45 | $240,000 – $320,000 | ~$275,000 |
| 50 | $340,000 – $450,000 | ~$380,000 |
| 55 | $440,000 – $580,000 | ~$490,000 |
| 60 | $540,000 – $700,000 | ~$600,000 |
| 67 (retirement) | $595,000+ (single) / $690,000+ (couple) | ASFA comfortable standard |
Assumptions: 7% nominal investment return, 2.5% wage growth, 11.5–12% SG, starting work at 22. These are indicative benchmarks — your individual figure may vary significantly.
What these benchmarks really mean
These numbers assume consistent employment, no career breaks, and the SG rate being contributed throughout. In reality:
- Women are statistically behind men due to career breaks, part-time work, and the gender pay gap
- People who took career breaks (parenting, illness, study) will be behind these benchmarks
- Casual and contract workers may have had periods without SG contributions
- Anyone who had multiple small super accounts (and paid multiple sets of fees) will be behind
Being below the benchmark isn't a crisis — but it's a signal to act. Use our Superannuation Calculator to see your projected balance at retirement based on your current balance and salary.
What to do if you're behind
1. Consolidate your super funds
The ATO estimates there are millions of "lost" super accounts in Australia. If you've had multiple jobs, you likely have multiple accounts, each paying fees. Consolidate into one good fund. Log in to myGov and check all your super accounts.
2. Check your fund's performance and fees
Super returns vary dramatically between funds. A fund returning 7% vs 9% annually makes a massive difference over 30 years. Check your fund against the ATO's annual super fund performance test. Funds that consistently underperform should be switched.
3. Make concessional contributions (salary sacrifice)
You can contribute up to $27,500/year in concessional (pre-tax) contributions — including the employer SG. Any additional contributions you make on top of employer super are taxed at 15% in the fund, rather than your marginal rate (up to 45%).
On a $100,000 salary at 32.5% marginal rate: sacrificing an extra $5,000 into super saves $875 in income tax.
4. Make non-concessional (after-tax) contributions
You can contribute up to $110,000/year in after-tax contributions (or $330,000 over 3 years using the bring-forward rule). No immediate tax saving, but earnings inside super are taxed at 15%, not your marginal rate.
5. Consider a spouse contribution
If your spouse earns under $40,000, you can make contributions to their super and receive a tax offset of up to $540.
The power of compounding: why it matters at 30
An extra $10,000 in super at age 30 (vs age 40) can make a remarkable difference:
- $10,000 invested at 30 at 7% for 37 years = $139,561 at 67
- $10,000 invested at 40 at 7% for 27 years = $73,002 at 67
- The 10-year head start is worth ~$66,559 extra at retirement
Every extra dollar contributed early multiplies. Waiting is expensive.
Frequently asked questions
How much super should I have at 30?
A common benchmark for age 30 is approximately $55,000–$75,000 in superannuation, assuming steady employment from ~22. These are guidelines only — the amount varies by career trajectory and whether you've taken career breaks.
How much super do I need to retire comfortably in Australia?
ASFA estimates a comfortable retirement for a couple requires approximately $690,000 at age 67 (2024-25 figures). For a single person, approximately $595,000. This assumes you also receive some Age Pension.
What is the current superannuation guarantee rate?
The SG rate is 11.5% of ordinary time earnings from 1 July 2024, rising to 12% from 1 July 2025.
Can I access my super early?
Generally, you can't access super until you reach preservation age (60) and retire, or age 65 regardless. Limited early access is available for severe financial hardship, terminal illness, or through the First Home Super Saver Scheme.
Use our Superannuation Calculator to see what you'll have at retirement based on your current balance and salary.