How Much Should You Have Saved by 28?
Australian savings, super, and net worth benchmarks for age 28. See where you stand and how to catch up if you're behind.
Last verified: 5 May 2026Australians aged 28: the full distribution
ABS, APRA and ATO data, CPI-adjusted to 2026 Q1. 39 years until the standard retirement age of 67.
Right around the middle.
Right around the middle.
Right around the middle.
Super at 28 vs Retirement Target
The median person at 28 has reached 7% of the ASFA target. With employer SG contributions and compound growth over 39 years, this gap can close — but topping up helps.
You're on track if...
- ✓You have at least $23,000.00 in accessible savings (the median for your age).
- ✓You have 3-6 months of living expenses set aside as an emergency fund.
- ✓Your super balance is at or above $46,000.00.
- ✓Your total net worth (savings + super + property equity - debts) is above $90,000.00.
You might be behind if...
- ⚠Your savings are below $8,800.00 and you don't have an emergency fund.
- ⚠Your super balance is below $18,000.00.
- ⚠You have significant consumer debt (credit cards, personal loans) relative to your income.
- ⚠You haven't started saving regularly or contributing to super beyond the employer minimum.
How to Catch Up at 28
Start with an emergency fund: aim for 3 months of expenses in a high-interest savings account.
Automate your savings with a direct debit on payday — even $50/week adds up to $2,600/year.
Time is your biggest asset. Even small amounts invested now compound significantly over 30+ years.
Consider salary sacrificing 2-5% into super to boost your retirement savings and reduce your tax bill.
Avoid high-interest debt (credit cards). If you have any, prioritise paying it off before investing.
Savings Benchmarks by Age
Sourced from
3 primary sources- ATO-Tax-Rates-2026ATO GuidanceResident tax rates 2025-26 (Stage 3 in effect)
0–$18,200 nil; $18,201–$45,000 16c; $45,001–$135,000 30c; $135,001–$190,000 37c; $190,001+ 45c. Plus 2% Medicare levy.
- ASFA-Retirement-StandardASFA Retirement StandardASFA Retirement Standard — comfortable & modest budgets
Comfortable retirement target: ~$595k (single) / ~$690k (couple) lump sum at 67, generating ~$53k/$74k annual income alongside the Age Pension.
- Services-Australia-Age-PensionServices AustraliaAge Pension — assets and income tests
Means-tested. Lower of income test or assets test applies. Pension age is 67. Family home generally exempt from assets test; super in accumulation phase exempt below age pension age.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I have saved by 28 in Australia?
By age 28, the median Australian has approximately $23,000.00 in accessible savings. A good target is $56,000.00 or more. This excludes superannuation and property equity.
How much super should I have at 28?
By age 28, the median super balance is approximately $46,000.00. A good position would be $92,000.00 or more. You have 39 years until the standard retirement age of 67.
What should my net worth be at 28?
The median net worth for Australians around age 28 is approximately $90,000.00, including super, property equity, and savings minus debts. A strong position is $214,000.00 or above.
Am I behind on savings at 28?
If your total savings are below $8,800.00 and you don't have an emergency fund, you may be behind. However, everyone's situation is different — if you've been investing in property, super, or education, your overall financial position may still be strong. Use the Money Check tool for a full assessment.
General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.
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