Retirement Savings Targets by Age

Financial planners often suggest saving a multiple of your salary by each decade. These benchmarks assume retiring at 67 with 70–80% income replacement.

Age 30: 1× salary saved

By 30, aim for one year of gross salary in retirement accounts. Starting at 25 with 10% contributions and employer match typically reaches this target.

Age 40: 3× salary saved

Three times salary by 40. If behind, increase contributions by 1% per year and redirect raises to retirement until you hit 15–20% total savings rate.

Age 50: 6× salary saved

Six times salary. Catch-up contributions ($7,500 extra in 401k for 50+) become available. Consider delaying retirement by 2–3 years if significantly behind.

Age 60: 8× salary saved

Eight times salary puts you on track for 80% replacement. Review asset allocation — shift toward bonds to reduce sequence-of-returns risk near retirement.

When you are ready to calculate, use our free Retirement Calculator — it runs privately in your browser and shows the formula used.

Frequently asked questions