Retirement Retirement Planning

Here's the Average 401(k) Balance of 61-Year-Old Americans (How Do You Compare?)

Comparing your 401(k) balance isn't about feeling behind, it's about perspective.

By Summer Nevins

Edited by Lisa Dammeyer

Updated Feb. 11, 2026

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For many people approaching or already in their 60s, talking about savings can feel stressful or even overwhelming. Yet knowing the average balance for Americans your age can be empowering. It offers perspective, highlights gaps you may want to address, and helps you shape realistic goals for the years ahead.

With Social Security looming, health care costs rising, and the desire to maintain a comfortable lifestyle after work, it's all the more important to see how your retirement savings stack up.

In the sections that follow, we'll break down key insights about 401(k) balances for 61-year-olds and explore what those numbers mean for your own retirement planning.

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The average 401(k) balance for Americans at age 61

The average 401(k) balance for Americans in their early 60s is approximately $568,000, based on retirement data for people ages 60 to 64.

This figure represents the total divided by all account holders, which means very large balances can pull the number higher. As a result, the average may look encouraging, but it doesn't reflect what most individuals actually have saved.

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Why the median 401(k) balance matters more than the average

The median 401(k) balance for people in their early 60s is closer to $189,000. The median shows the midpoint, where half of savers have more and half have less. Because it isn't distorted by extremely large accounts, the median often provides a clearer picture of what a typical 61-year-old has available for retirement.

How high earners skew the average 401(k) balance upward

A relatively small number of high earners with long careers and consistent investing significantly raise the average 401(k) balance. These individuals often max out contributions and benefit from generous employer matches. Their large accounts can make averages appear higher than what most workers experience, which is why comparing yourself solely to the average can be misleading.

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Catch-up contributions can boost savings before retirement

If you see those balances and feel behind, it's not too late to catch up. Once you turn 50, IRS catch-up contributions allow you to save more in your 401(k) each year.

At 61, these extra contributions can meaningfully increase your balance, especially if you're still working. While they won't fully close large gaps, catch-up contributions can help strengthen your financial cushion heading into retirement.

Why 401(k) balances often peak around age 60 or 61

Many retirement accounts reach their highest point around age 60 or 61. Contributions typically slow or stop once retirement begins, and withdrawals may start soon after.

Market volatility can also play a role. This makes the early 60s an important time to review investment risk and consider how long your savings may need to last.

How early withdrawals and rollovers affect balances in your 60s

Some people begin withdrawing from their 401(k) in their early 60s to cover living or health care costs. Others roll funds into IRAs, which can reduce reported 401(k) balances without lowering total retirement savings. These moves can make balances appear smaller, even when overall retirement resources remain the same.

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Increase contributions if you're still working

If you're still employed at 61, boosting your 401(k) contributions can make a meaningful difference. Workers age 50 and older can take advantage of IRS catch-up contributions, which allows you to save more each year. Even small increases now can help strengthen your retirement cushion before withdrawals begin.

Review your investment mix as retirement approaches

As retirement gets closer, it may be time to review how your 401(k) is invested. Many people gradually shift toward a more conservative mix to reduce exposure to market swings. That doesn't mean avoiding growth entirely, but balancing risk and stability can help protect the savings you've worked years to build.

Consider rolling old 401(k)s into one account

If you've changed jobs over the years, you may have multiple old 401(k) accounts. Consolidating them into one account or rolling them into an IRA can make your finances easier to manage.

Fewer accounts mean less paperwork, clearer tracking, and potentially lower fees, depending on your plan options.

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Plan withdrawals carefully to avoid surprises

Withdrawing from your 401(k) too early or without a plan can lead to unnecessary taxes or penalties. Before taking money out, understand how withdrawals affect your taxable income and long-term savings. Coordinating withdrawals with Social Security and other income sources can help stretch your retirement funds further.

Look beyond your 401(k) for retirement income

Your 401(k) is important, but it's only one part of your retirement picture. Factor in Social Security benefits, pensions, IRAs, savings, and even part-time work if applicable. Viewing retirement income holistically can help you make more confident decisions and reduce stress about any single account balance.

Bottom line

It's important to remember that planning for retirement is a marathon, not a sprint. And your 401(k) balance at 61 doesn't have to match an average (or median) to be "good enough." Those benchmarks are useful for context. But retirement readiness depends far more on how your savings, income sources, and spending plans work together over time. Many Americans retire comfortably without ever hitting headline balance numbers.

One important detail to keep in mind: required minimum distributions don't begin until age 73 for most people. This gives you more flexibility in your early 60s to plan withdrawals strategically. Using this window to fine-tune contributions, investments, and income timing can help your money last longer in retirement.

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