Retirement Retirement Planning

The Average 401(k) Balance Just Hit $155,800 (How Do You Compare?)

How does your retirement savings stack up in your generation?

By Catherine Collins , Edited by Laura Hohenstein

Updated Nov. 9, 2026

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According to Fidelity's data from their Q2 2026 retirement analysis, there are some positive trends when it comes to the average 401(k) balance. Their records showed that the average balance has increased 10.5% over the last quarter.

Of course, this data only shows Americans who have access to Fidelity retirement plans, but there are still many others who are unable to contribute to their futures because they don't work for employers that offer 401(k)s as a workplace benefit. So, here's more information about Fidelity's findings as well as tips for those who want to contribute more to their retirement in the future.

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Fidelity's average 401(k) balance hit $155,800

Having that average 401(k) balance increase by 10.5% in a quarter is a major gain and now puts the average 401(k) balance at $155,800. In fact, Fidelity reported that it was the largest quarterly increase since the year 2020.

Despite this, the Federal Reserve found that only 35% of non-retired adults think their retirement savings are on track. That means that many people are living with uncertainty about their retirement in the future. Plus, 14% of workers borrowed from, cashed out, or cut their contributions last year, showing that many people are still facing financial hardships.

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The average Boomer 401(k) balance is $283,200

It makes sense that Baby Boomers have the highest average 401(k) balance at $283,200 because they are the closest to retirement. Fidelity data shows that Boomers put in 12.2% of their pay towards retirement, more than any other generation.

It also helps that those who are still working have an opportunity, starting at age 50, to make catch-up contributions. These contributions can help older workers make up for lost time or past mistakes by contributing thousands extra to their accounts if they're able.

Gen X workers have an average 401(k) balance of $240,700

Gen X showed an average 401(k) balance that wasn't so far behind Boomers at $240,700. The data also showed that Gen X contributes approximately 10.6% of their income towards retirement.

Many Gen X workers are closer to retirement than Millennials and Gen Z and are likely increasing their contributions to fully prepare to stop working in the future. Although they have less time to save for retirement than younger generations, they still have opportunities to make catch-up contributions that can help their balances grow.

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Millennials showed growth with 401(k) balances of $94,300, on average

Even though Millennials have a lower average 401(k) balance of $94,300 than Boomers and Gen X, their average balance is 26% higher than the previous year, showing major growth. Additionally, Millennials contribute 9% to their retirement accounts on average.

Fortunately, Millennials, even older ones, have a long enough time horizon to make meaningful additions to their retirement accounts. Increasing contributions with each raise or bonus can help Millennials reach their retirement goals on time.

Gen Z has an average 401(k) balance of $20,800

Gen Z is the youngest generation of workers, so naturally, they have the lowest average 401(k) balance of $20,800 with a 7.6% contribution rate. Gen Z, despite the lower average balance, has a much longer time horizon than any other generation until retirement. That means they have the biggest benefit of compound interest on their side. Gen Z would especially benefit from creating good savings and investing habits early in their careers.

A strong stock market is driving this increase

Fidelity's report showed that the combined employee and employer contributions were the same as the previous quarter, at 14.4% of pay. So, that means that much of the growth mentioned here comes from market performance as opposed to people saving more. So, when the stock market does well, so do 401(k) retirement plans.

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Fidelity's data doesn't represent all Americans

Fidelity is a major issuer of retirement plans, so their data shows 25.8 million participants. These workers are actively contributing to a 401(k) plan that their employer provides as a workplace benefit. However, not all working Americans have access to a work-sponsored retirement plan.

For those Americans, finding a way to save and contribute to retirement is crucial and is possible with other retirement options like IRAs. With an IRA, anyone who is eligible can open an account and doesn't need an employer's permission or benefit to do so.

Bottom line

Even though Fidelity's data isn't representative of all Americans, the numbers are still encouraging for those who are working towards saving for their futures in their workplace-sponsored retirement plans. However, comparing your balance to these averages isn't always a smart money move, since not everyone has the same access or ability to contribute.

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