# US 401(k) retirement savings trends

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-401k-retirement-savings-trends
> Updated: 2026-08-20T16:55:20.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Reports from major administrators Vanguard and Fidelity highlight varying levels of 401(k) retirement savings across different age demographics in the United States.

Data for workers under 35 shows average balances ranging from approximately $7,259 for those under 25 to over $50,000 for those aged 30 to 34. However, median values for these groups are notably lower, with the under-25 group averaging $2,234 and the 25-to-34 group averaging $18,732.

For older workers, Fidelity Investments reports that average 401(k) balances for participants aged 50 to 54 are significantly below recommended targets. The average balance of $215,700 falls $234,300 short of the guideline suggesting individuals should accumulate six times their annual salary by age 50. Median balances for the 45-to-54 age bracket were reported at $78,730, which represents roughly 0.8 to 1.0 times their annual salary.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-20: Fidelity Investments reports 401(k) balances fall short of retirement targets

Fidelity Investments reports that average 401(k) balances for workers aged 50-54 are $234,300 below the company's recommended savings target.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fidelity-investments-reports-401k-balances-fall-short-of-retirement-targets

### 2026-08-15: Retirement savings averages for workers under 35

Reports from Vanguard and Fidelity show that while average 401(k) balances for workers under 35 range from approximately $7,000 to over $50,000, median savings are notably lower.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/retirement-savings-averages-for-workers-under-35

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Cite as: US 401(k) retirement savings trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-401k-retirement-savings-trends